Week 2.15: Window Shopping

Week 2.15: Window Shopping was taken at the High Museum in Atlanta, GA. That's my Sweet Georgia Peach in the photo. I'm not sure she even knew I took this photo. And, I'll venture to guess she doesn't really love that I put this photo on my blog...but I don't really care. I think she's really beautiful. As a peace offering: Melis, the architect for the High is Richard Meier. I bet you forgot to look that up.

Anyway, Window Shopping is an inspiration that came in the past couple of weeks. My friends, the Flemmings, have shown just how supportive they really are. Basically, my friend's husband volunteered himself for the position of "Life Coach to Sarah Doty." I didn't actually realize my life was asking for a life coach...or that it was asking for a life coach in the very unlikely form of my friend's husband.

Nevertheless, the past couple of weeks have had little bits of advice and wisdom sprinkled about by my dear friends. It came to a head last week when we were having dinner. I was a few minutes late (as usual) and as soon as I walked in the door I was greeted with a series of inquiries that ended up with an analogy to life.

Being the great (and semi-insightful) man that he is, I was presented with a challenge: "Are you going to Window Shop your whole life or are you going to try something on?"

I was then asked if I ever shop, specifically, do I shoe shop. What a funny little question. Of course I shoe shop. How do you think I got all my shoes? Silly man.

Well, not so silly. He had more questions.

"When you see a shoe display with a pair of shoes in it that you like, do you say to yourself, 'I sure wish those shoes fit me,' and then keep walking?"

"No. I try to see if they have my size."

"And how do you go about looking for your size?"

At this point, I'm beginning to feel slightly uncomfortable because I realize he may not be talking about actual shoes.

"I ask a salesperson if the shoe comes in my size. They usually come back with the size I asked for and the half size above and below that."

In a borderline teasing manner (laced with seriousness that demands a reply): "And when all those shoes are in front of you, do you walk away from them and thank the associate without trying on the shoes."

In a slightly indignant tone: "Of course not. I try them all on."

With even more seriousness: "What happens when you find a shoe you like that fits you? Do you just walk out of the store without even thinking of buying them?"

With an injured tone (because I feel like I may have been outsmarted and there is nothing worse): "No. Of course not. I take the shoes to the register and I buy them."

Just to drive the point home: "And then do you put them in your closet and never wear them?"

"No."

And with great satisfaction but knowledge that this is, indeed, a long road to walk with me: "Now, the difference between success and failure is action." At this point I'm thinking he may have spent too much time in corporate environments staring at inspirational posters...still he may have a valuable point. He continued: "Now, why are you still Window Shopping when you just told me you know better?"

Well, that life coaching paired with something I read in Ecclesiastes 11:4 this week: "If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done," spurred me on to action. Okay, Mr. Flemming. I got your point...even if it was slightly patronizing. Thank you for putting into my terms. I appreciate your concerted efforts and coaching...as you know. I promise my future actions will reflect my illumination.