More on names

“Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove yourself from the unacceptable.”

~ Denis Waitley

Last week I wrote about the importance of names.

In that email, I referenced my family name,my surname, and how important it has been in shaping me.

A surname is a hereditary name common to all members of a family, as distinct from a given name.

I am just one branch of my family tree.

The thing that sets me apart from anyone else on that chart is my given name, David.

The name David means beloved.

The other night, I attended a wake.

Without going into detail, there were some members of the bereaved family who weren't exactly thrilled to see me.

Still,I wanted to pay my condolences and there were family members who were genuinely grateful that I did come.

On the hour plus drive home, I had time to reflect on what had just transpired.

I was feeling sadly about the chill in the air that I experienced.

It became clear to me that on this particular occasion, I was not beloved by all.

Actually, quite the opposite.

It also became clear to me that I don't respond well to not being me,to not being beloved.

It makes me uncomfortable.

Don't get me wrong, I am not so self absorbed as to need to be the center of everyone's attention.

Blending in is just fine with me most times.

(okay maybe not so much).

However, the frost from those who did not appreciate me coming to pay my respects was very off putting.

I like being liked.

It's part of who I am.

Ambivalence is okay when I am around people who don't know me.

Once you know my name, that all changes for me.

I am David,the beloved, and I can't help being anything but that!