I've had jobs which I thought were going to be my dream job. I've had friends that I thought would never let me down and would be my BFF for life. I've acquired possessions that I thought would be the answer to all my problems. Fooled. Fooled. Fooled. And the list could go on and on.
Now they say that wisdom comes with age, and although I've never been quite sure who "they" are, I have to admit that this is one time that I think "they" got it right. As I approach yet another birthday, I am happy to realize that my older self is not as easily fooled as I once was. I'm not as easily swayed, not as gullible as I used to be. Life has taught me lessons and I believe I've been a good student.
Maya Angelou was once quoted as having said, "When people show you who they are, believe them the first time." In other words, take them at face value. Don't let your hopes and dreams of who you want them to be and wish they could be fool you into thinking that they will one day magically turn into that person. See the truth in them for what it is - truth. Accept them for who they are, no matter how pleasant or unpleasant that may be, and then decide whether or not there is a place for them in your life.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not talking about being disappointed. I'm talking about being fooled. There is a huge difference. God is the only one who will never disappoint us. We are all human and because of the sinful nature that we all possess, we will all disappoint and hurt one another at times. However there's a fine line between disappointing someone and fooling them. To be fooled means to be tricked and deceived. It is an intentional act with selfish motives that leaves only destruction in its wake. And when we allow someone to bring that type of negativity and harmfulness into our lives, too often we are left cleaning up the mess and picking up the pieces long after they are gone.
Realize the difference today. Know who you can trust and depend on in your life and know who is trying to fool you. Believe them when they show you who they are. Look for the truth in the people that make up your close circle. Who is authentic? Who is real? Who isn't? Delve deep into your relationships and find the answers for yourself. Then believe them. The first time. And as hard as it may be, cast out the fools. Remember, they come with selfish motives and intentions of bringing nothing but chaos. Weed them out today before the mess they leave becomes so big that you're left cleaning it up for years to come.
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