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Elephant in the Room    

Elephant in the Room    

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Elephant in the Room--three small ceramic or jade elephantsFew of us desire an elephant in the room. Not the kind on four legs and not unpleasant subjects.

An elephant in the room means a problem no one discusses.

The situation is:

  • Serious
  • Important
  • Obvious

We need to address the topic.

Everyone knows about it. However, no one wants to discuss it because it makes us feel:

  • Uncomfortable
  • Embarrassed
  • Awkward

As a result, we ignore the issue rather than rock the boat.

  • Families don’t mention strained relationships.
  • Workers overlook wasteful systems.
  • Friends choose peace over responsibility.

Excuses for ignoring difficult situations include:

  • “It’s none of my business.”
  • “No one gets hurt.”
  • “I don’t have time to get involved.”

We want to remain on the right track. At times, that means we avoid unnecessary problems. Other times, it means we stand firm for truth and examine the elephant

An elephant in the room’s origin is unknown.

According to The Phrase Finder, it probably began in the United States.

 “It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret” (Ephesians 5:12 NIV).

Thanks to Ann Klotz and Darrin Jenkins for the suggestion.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm Matin Wiles book
Version 1.0.0

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All Thumbs

All Thumbs

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All Thumbs--thumbs of four people When we try to do detailed work, many of us become all thumbs. Although texting has made thumbs an important part of daily life, we still prefer not to be all thumbs.

All thumbs means clumsy, especially with our hands.

Like a person with two left feet, we have trouble with physical coordination. Awkward and unskilled, we can’t get everything to work together.

We might experience this out-of-whack feeling with:

  • Crocheting, knitting, or other needlework
  • Playing a musical instrument
  • Handwriting, especially calligraphy
  • Anything that requires fine motor skills

If all thumbs, we lack grace.

 It’s hard to look dignified when we can’t manage our physical reactions. Often, the harder we try, the worse everything grows.

With work, we can usually improve.

That is why we take lessons. Practice may not make us perfect. It does usually make us better.

When we can’t improve, we look for other abilities.

God created each of us with unique skills. If we don’t have certain talents, we can enjoy the work of those who do. We can also grow in what we do best.

I doubt the woman described in Proverbs 31 could do everything. Nevertheless, she did her best at what she did in service to God, her family, and others.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” (Proverbs 31:25, 31 NIV).

Kristy Horine book--In a Season of MondaysSubscribe to receive Diana’s weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.” On September 9, 2023, one name will be randomly selected from Diana’s mailing list to also receive a free copy of Kristy Horine’s In a Season of Mondays. If your name is already on the mailing list, you are automatically entered. Please encourage your friends to subscribe.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment.

Thanks to Debbie Tapscott for the suggestion.

Two Left Feet

Two Left Feet

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Two Left Feet--two left shoes on feetSometimes I think I was born with two left feet. I constantly bump into things and discover bruises with no idea how I got them.

I have had this talent all my life. As a child, I practiced math by counting my bruises. I think fifteen to twenty was my record.

Two left feet means clumsy.

I bump into:

  • Doors
  • Furniture
  • Counter tops

This awkward talent often results from having my head in the clouds. My mind wanders. I fail to pay attention.

Two left feet often refers to a poor dancer.

I have never danced much. However, when I dance, I pay more attention. A few people have a tough time getting their dancing feet to work together.

Practice improves coordination.

 If I focus on my task, I run into things less often. If dancers practice, they improve their skill. Paying attention always helps.

When walking or dancing, focus on feet. When reading or talking, watch those words. When listening, remain all ears. Pay special attention when God directs.

“Listen and hear my voice; pay attention and hear what I say” (Isaiah 28:23 NIV).

Thanks to Charles Smithers for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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