Wimping Out

Letting my grandson get the better of  me?

I am a WIMP.  I mean that in its original meaning as an acronym in Physics, where it represents a Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP).  It is a hypothetical subatomic particle that is supposed to be one of two main constituents of dark matter, which could represent two ends of the spectrum on human behavior.  WIMPs exhibit behavior that is slow and deliberate, with weak interactions.  On the one end of the spectrum of dark matter, wimps are cold, while the converse, hot dark matter, exhibits high energy, random motion and stronger interactions.  Both are called dark matter because they are non-luminous; they are invisible.  

In today's reading, Paul's recommendation sound a bit like advice on how to be a WIMP.

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show every courtesy to everyone. - Titus 3:1-2

In everyday usage, a wimp is a weakling, someone who fails to act, or acts in a cowardly way.  Somehow, in the course of my lifetime, obedience to the law and authority has become unfashionable, and a term we used to use often and with pride has totally been tossed aside as frivolous and even, yes, wimpish.  That term is "common courtesy".  

Showing courtesy to others today is equivalent to letting them win, and that is a sign of weakness.  If someone arrives at the parking spot just slightly ahead of me, I stop and let them take the spot.  Wimp!  If a woman is struggling with a cane to make it to the door and I arrive before her, I will hold it open for her.  Wimp!  If I have a cart full of groceries and the person behind me in line has only one thing, well, you get the picture.  Wimp!

So, if all these things are wimpy, do we acknowledge the converse as being a bully?  I don't think so.  I believe we have a greater tolerance for aberrant behavior than we are willing to admit.  What we used to call "road rage" has become acceptable, and if not acceptable, expected.  I have yet to see a car pulled off on the roadside after wildly darting in and out of traffic.  I know that is no indication that it doesn't happen, but I would like a little validation once in a while for my commitment to defensive driving.

I think that is the problem with the choice we make to be ready for every good work and to be subject to rulers and authorities.  We don't get rewarded for being good.  We don't get to the party faster, beat the light, get the parking space, beat the competition, or get to the finish line first.  When we follow the path Paul is talking about, we will not be the winners in the eyes of others, but that doesn't mean we should become cold dark matter, either.

Paul is telling us to get out there and be visible, to shine our light on a different goal, to be highly interactive, eager and ready to connect with others, not weakly, but with strength and love.  So, I guess we need a new definition of WIMP.

I am sure someone will come up with a better acronym, but until then I will go with this one.  For me, it means to be a Wholly Involved Meaningful Person.  That's mine.  What's yours?