Minds are like parachutes

I saw this on a bumper sticker today....

"Minds are like parachutes, they only work when open"

HHMMM...so true! I think there are a lot of times we THINK we are open minded. But I think we are only open-minded as long as the situation or circumstance isn't tied into us. I have known people who are against abortion, then their daughter, who was lined up for a full ride scholarship at an Ivy League turns out pregnant, then all of the sudden, their mindset changes. Or people who say, they have no issues with homosexuality. At least, as long as it is not in THEIR family.

I think a lot of people today have misconstrued what an "open mind" is. It is not necessarily about accepting, but about not walking in judgment. We can say all we want that we have an open mind, but when push comes to shove, how many times do we shut our minds to different ideas, characteristics or beliefs? We don't even want to hear it because it doesn't flow in the same vein as our own beliefs.

Growing up in a church as a young child where everything was very legalistic, as an adult now, I see where there were so many times I thought I was open minded, yet I sat in my judgment, looking down my nose at things that didn't match what I believed. We don't have to agree 100% of the time. But will we stop, get our mind and beliefs to be silent and listen? Can we actually train our mind to shut up and open up?

I think about what it is like to have the parachute open up above me.....a bit turbulent, lots of noise, some pulling and maybe a bit uncomfortable...but then...
then....the still wind passing as I look from far above...everything so clear....just me, my thoughts...silence...peace...soaring.

....just a random thought.

Hope you are having a great one!