"On Thumpers and Gliders and Other Differences"

 

There are thumpers in this world, and there are gliders—at least that has been my experience. And they are as opposite from one another as the South Pole is from the North. Gliders are often upset and bothered by the sounds of a thumper; thumpers, generally, are not at all ruffled by gliders.

A glider enters a room quietly, barely making any sound at all, unless wearing high heels. On the other hand, a thumper can be heard approaching from quite a distance, with or without high heels, the noise of his or her footsteps reverberating through the air. On occasion, the force is so solid, glassware can be heard rattling. Such is the case with me. I openly admit and confess to being a thumper. I walk hard, and that is an understatement. In fact “thud” would probably be a more accurate description than “thump.”

It had been a while since I had given it much thought. I don’t make much of a sound walking behind a lawn mower and, living alone, am oblivious with no one to remind me. While cleaning a house today, I was barefooted. Because I solidly land on my heels first, the bare feet amplify the impact. I heard and observed the thump, the glassware and remembered the chastising from days gone by. “Why DO you walk so hard? Can’t you walk more softly? You’re shaking the whole house. Try walking like a lady.” The comments from gliders were gone but not forgotten. I began processing the memories.

What wasn’t spoken yet perceived was that there was something wrong with me. I needed to change. And I tried. It was a long time ago, but I did try. The success rate is right at 0%, along with efforts to transform my curly hair to bone-straight, rid myself of a down-right stubborn streak, eliminate the procrastination factor, and change countless other traits and characteristics that make up the person I am.

It took a while to understand it isn’t a right or wrong thing. It is a difference. I’m not the same as others. However, when one is struggling with self-acceptance it’s a monkey wrench thrown in that takes some time and sorting to figure out.

Another person’s difference is not cause for a rush to judgment. It is so easy to react, to respond critically without even thinking. We all handle situations differently, and when that is viewed as being right or wrong, negativity enters in. For example, I drive in a manner that is different from any other driver on the road; I eat foods that are preferential to my taste; my television habits and choices are unlike any other. We are individuals; therefore, we are different. And I haven’t even begun to discuss the way we think and view ethics, philosophy, politics, the environment, nature, and religion…just to name a few.

Much of the focus in our country is placed on biases and prejudices based on race. There is, however, a bias, a prejudice and an intolerance developing in our society and our nation toward any who disagrees with those in a place of power and control. An attitude is developing that “I am right; therefore, you are wrong.” Not so. We think, believe, and act differently, but they are differences, not a base for division, rejection, or judgment. I am friends with many people with whom I differ in opinion and belief. That does not make me right and them wrong or vice versa. It means we are individuals, with a right to our respective points of view.

My uniqueness, including that of being a thumper, is God-given. So too, is yours. God help us as a nation if we get to the point where difference is not respected, expected, and allowed. We are not—and must not--be clones. And, for myself as well, I need to be very careful I am not coming from a place of judgment when viewing another’s difference, be it inner or outer.

I told Sally, whose house I was cleaning, my “thumper” story, telling of the criticisms and harsh comments I’ve received over the years. “Did you know that is a good thing?” she asked. She went on to say her doctor had informed her that walking with impact increases bone density. In fact, the impact is what is important. Who knew? Certainly not the gliders in my life.  Nor I. It’s all in how you look at it, isn’t it? This one goes in the category of “interesting” and bears out my position that difference is a positive not a negative. High five, Sally!

 

"Do not judge, so you may not be judged. For with the

judgment you make you will be judged."

Matthew 7: 1, 2