Joyful Transformation

When I was in Jr. High school we had a little newspaper that we put out weekly or monthly. This was in the day of mimeograph machines, so we couldn’t have produced it too often. We sold it for $.25 to raise money for Student Council or Honor Society or something, I just don’t remember what. But anyway we started an advice column called Ask Hazel. I was Hazel. I thought it was real cool to take the questions people had and answer them with all of my great wisdom especially since they didn’t know who was hiding behind the name of Hazel. Back then, I would assume I knew who was really asking the question (they were submitted anonymously) and answer accordingly. Sometimes I was just telling them what I thought they should know.

I realized today that when someone asks me for advice I still sometimes act like “Hazel”. I start spouting off answers without considering what the person may really be asking. Sometimes I want to give my opinion so badly that I stop listening before they are finished asking. You know I always heard that opinions were like “noses” that everyone has one. (OK, I didn’t hear it as noses either!) And yet for some reason I get caught up in the thinking that what I have to say is special or somehow inspired!

This morning I realize that I am a 46 year old Christian. I am a mother and a grandmother. I have been married for 29 years and have had a fair amount of success in my professional life. If someone honors me with the request of my opinion or ask me for advice they are not looking for an answer from my Jr. High “Hazel” persona. At this point in my life if I don’t have some true experiences and wisdom to share then I am just sad.

Today I will not offer advice flippantly. I will pray before answering anyone. I will listen to all that they say before I start talking.... At least I am going to start trying to do all of these things. But I confess, for me, it is easier to just be Hazel!