Expendable

I seem to do most of my thinking on my days off. I say this because for me, an idle mind is the devils workshop. It is when I think of all things good and not so good.

Last week for instance. I had two people say this word in a sentence. They said when you are expendable to someone then you’ll know.. ok remember I’m a hairstylist so immediately I had to look it up. It’s defined as : of little significance when compared to an overall purpose, and therefore able to be abandoned. I had really never thought of a person like this. Like who would say you’re “expendable”? Maybe someone in the mafia.. I guess I hadn’t sat down to think about it but at some point we meet people who we are expendable to.

I try to see worth in all people. I feel like I don’t do it right all the time but if I love you and value your friendship then I’m gonna give 100% to it. That goes with my work too. I remember having a lady who’s hair I did for years. I poured into her. She went through a divorce and I adjusted my prices because I felt like she probably had more on her plate then I did. Funny when she and her husband got back together she left me and went to the most expensive hairstylist in town. My point is not over the fact that she left me. That’s happens in my profession a lot. It’s that I was expendable so to speak. Now before you think I’m having a pity party. There are 3 kinds of people God puts in your life. 1) Givers… let me say I have the pleasure of having some of the best givers in my life. It’s not just monetary but people who give you encouragement, or who clean your house, or bring you Dr Peppers or cupcakes. I don’t do well with the compliments but I do think when you make someone feel needed then it’s so easy for them to want to make you feel that way. I have a few ladies who comes to get their hair done (a lot actually) who brings me books, treats, cards and I don’t give anything back to them. They do it expecting nothing in return. I truly believe those are your givers.

Then there are 2) takers. This is not necessarily a bad person. I actually love these people in my life. They are the ones I get to pour into. Typically I will pour into someone who I feel spends all their time pouring into others. Whether it be nurses, teachers, neighbors, assistants, or just people who otherwise get overlooked, that’s my crowd. They never understand why you do it. They are always thankful. They aren’t givers but they are appreciative. That’s enough.

3) If you get a combo then you guessed it… you have yourself a real deal bonofied friend. Not that the other two are not. They just play different rolls. I have a lot of givers and takers. They are absolutely what makes up my world. I couldn’t do life without the people who pour in or I get to pour into. Oh but those few that are your friends. Those are the jewels. Rare. I have a friend who I promise you I can’t out-give. She sends me stuff and I turn around and give her something. She text me and vice versa. She loves my girls, I love her baby and I tell you when you find that don’t take it for granted. I want my girls to always be givers. To extend grace to whoever they meet. To be a friend but to understand that not everyone you meet will be your friend. Some will past through for a season. Some will just pour into you all your life. Some you will spend your life pouring into them. They will all make you better for it. Most importantly the biggest giver in my life is God. You can’t out give him. You can try. You lose a customer, he sends 3 to replace them. You become disheartened, then he’ll send a note to your mailbox. God is the one who is behind most of the givers. He is also the one who gives you health, a hedge of protection, a family to love you ,the givers, takers and friends. So to some you may be expendable but you’re never expendable to God. He sees your worth. He’ll give you what you need and take what you give. He’s the best friend you can have. I think I write these silly blogs because I don’t want anyone to ever think they are not important or relevant. Know that you are so important to someone…and to God..he sees you. If your struggling to be seen, he’s never far away. Good, bad and ugly. He still loves us. Also don’t begrudge those who took and left. I sounded that way earlier. It’s either a blessing or a lesson. I can look at my life today and still tell you 3 good things about the lady who left me for the more expensive stylist. She blessed me during that season of my life and I her. Each person we meet. They are supposed to be in your life. Love them, learn from them and try to be a blessing to them. That’s all I have tonight.