Sunday, September 30, 2007

Bull in a China Shop

I’m sure you all heard of the expression “bull in a china shop.” It’s usually denotes dropping or breaking things because you move awkwardly or roughly. Has anyone really seen what a bull in a china shop would do? Do they destroy everything in their sight? Who came up with the saying anyway?

The other night Tom and I were watching the television show, MythBusters. These guys love their jobs. The premise of the show is to either prove or bust a myth. That night they were trying to prove what a bull in a china shop would actually do. So they set up some shelves in a bull pen and let loose a bull. The funny thing is the bull avoided the shelves and went around it. It knocked over one shelf. Why don’t you watch it yourself below?



If we could be so wrong about an expression that was probably used from the beginning of this century, then what else could we be wrong about? Just because someone says something is true, doesn’t mean it is. Sometimes we have a bad experience in a situation and apply a broad brush to every situation that is similar. What if you were bitten by a dog, then you might think all dogs bite and would be frightened when you see a dog.

Our fears sometimes keep us from trying. What if you were called to be a veterinarian? If you were the one bitten by the dog, you might not want to pursue that type of work. You might be the person that would come up with some innovative way of treating dogs that would save countless lives.

I’m been thinking about what perceptions I have that may be wrong. What fears I’ve embraced that might be hindering my reaching my destiny. What’s been on my heart lately is living my life fully, with passion and freedom. Doing what God has created me to do.

So I pray that the Lord would remove my fears or perceptions that would hinder me living my life fully. Lord help me to keep in step with what You would have me do. Help me to appreciate each day and look to You to guide me.

© Nadine Z. 2007

Side Note:

Check out this post from my hubby called, “Ready for Either.” It’s short but a great read.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW! Grrr my Dad's ex-wife used to call me a bull in a china shop making me feel awkward and insecure. Now I can hold my head high and feel graceful!

So true of preconceived notions and trying to set ourselves free from them!

Knit-Wit said...

Great thoughts to ponder on. What is my purpose? What inhibits that purpose?

a woman who is said...

Great blog Nadine. As always stuff to chew on this week.

Susan said...

Go posts. I'm sure all of us believe things that are not true. We need to take a closer look at everything!!!
Susan

Shionge said...

I really like this post Nadine coz many times people tends to just form a certain perception especially towards people that they don't like....for that particular reason they fail to understand a person well and just like negative perception cloud them.

You are always so kind to pray for well-being :D

Art said...

I saw that on Mythbusters! And what you say is true: our assumptions and beliefs can be incredibly limiting. Amen.

Deb said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts......The first thing that came to my mind was a picture I seen once it was a teeny tiny kitten looking into a mirrow and the reflection was a strong capable lion roaring. We are only what we do or do not limit ourselves to be.

Jen(n) said...

I like this post...
I have to admit that I had never heard that phrase before!! Am I aging myself?
Anyway... I love how you pulled it all together and what you had to say about fear!
You Rock!!!

Dedee said...

Awesome thoughts again Nadine. It is amazing what fear can do to us!

Anonymous said...

That's a really great clip. I've never watched that show... I'll have to start catching it. And, as always, what a great perspective you brought to the whole discussion!

Jane, Pinks & Blues

Keshi said...

wut a beautiful post with great thoughts. Well-written Nadine!

Keshi.

Elle*Bee said...

Great post! (Our family loves Mythbusters, too.)

Wil's Wheels said...

Great analogy. We spent some time facing our fears in a project at my second blog last week. The posts were amazing and so full of inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by Slurping Life.

palmtreefanatic said...

Great stuff once again! Thanks Nadine!

Demara said...

I awarded you on my Oct. 2nd post.

I gotta go to bed..it's late and I have to wake up at 6am.

(Next week I'll be waking up at 4am. Grr...that's going to be so hard after vball on Tuesdays. BUT I will not stop exercising!!! I can't!)

Ok ttyl Nadine,
Thanks for the love!

I love you.

Knit-Wit said...

Nadine, Your blog is FABULOUS! Come and claim your newest award - and there is no limit on how many bloggers you can pass it on to! :-)

Anonymous said...

That was a great post...I just called my little girl a bull in a china shop the other day (not to her face), but I guess I was wrong. Great though provoking stuff.

Sandy said...

Good stuff to think about! I may have written this before but we think about FEAR in our family as: False Evidence Appearing Real. That has really helped all of us face our fears at times!
(PS We LOVE the MythBuster show, too!) Sandy :)

Louise said...

I love that show!! LOL
Great post as usual!

Shadraq said...

Maybe the saying should be "like a bunch of little old ladies at a half-price sale" in a china shop

The Edwards said...

Thanks for sharing your THOUGHTS! You really made me think...

Damselfly said...

"Help me to appreciate each day and look to You to guide me." What a great prayer.