10 Words

At the risk of plagiarizing a friend and fellow blogger, I offer my favorite 10 words . . . well, in a moment.

All of this apparently started as a “Tweet” and has grown into something of a movement, I suspect. I don’t mean that it’s anything like civil rights or postmodernism, but a movement nonetheless.

And so, I was inspired to compose my own list. Surprisingly, listing the words took almost no time at all. Providing a reason proved a bit more challenging, but was an excellent exercise in introspection and discovering balance.

Anyway, here’s my list in no particular order (despite the fact they’re numbered):

1. Humorous – I’m not talking about somebody who can deliver a good punch line or crack a joke at somebody else’s expense. I mean someone who actually finds the humor and joy in life and is capable of sharing it with others.
2. Propriety – There has always been this sense within me that I should’ve been born in a different time. A bit stodgy and perhaps even a little prude, the word indicates suitability and a sense of what is appropriate. There is security when something is accomplished properly and a pride in knowing that something is right and good. I suppose it comes from having a sense of what is absolute, but I find both this word and the behavior it represents to be uplifting.
3. Peculiar – No doubt, I’ll get some flak for this one. First, you’ve got to love the way this word sounds inside your head when you say it – it’s even fun to spell. That it means “uncommon” and “distinctive” is what makes this appealing both in sound and in action. I admit this quality isn’t always an easy one to embrace, but it is almost always fresh and, dare I say, provocative.
4. Genuine – Free from pretense and affectation, I think this word, more than others, means the most to me. A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. When “spin” is your livelihood, a friend who is genuine is like a cool glass of water on a hot day.
5. Gentle – I struggle with this one. When I exercise this behavior, I feel weak and accommodating, despite the fact that I know that it is most often in gentleness that great strength is displayed. Often those who are gentle are overlooked, but finding a friend who is gentle is a precious gift. I am in awe of those who can speak truth and even confront in such a way that it is wholly constructive.
6. Warm – Who doesn’t love warmth? This is at the base of Maslow’s hierarchy and for good reason. Warmth is inviting and comforting. It heals and calms. It inspires growth and promotes health. Think about a warm chocolate chip cookie and tell me warmth is a bad thing.
7. Strong – My wife is one of the strongest people I know. She can forge through anything and never complain. God knows she’s put up with my shit for almost 16 years so that says something. I don’t mean someone who can keep a stiff upper lip or bench press 250 lbs. I mean the quiet conviction that comes with knowing who you are and not having to prove anything.
8. Honorable – It’s easy to equivocate in most of life’s situations and I think most folks would be hard-pressed to criticize. This is one of those qualities that is often overlooked and undervalued. It’s more than just being truthful or honest, it’s doing what you know is right regardless of the consequences – and that’s often not a very easy or popular position to take.
9. Mischievous – I know. But, I just can’t help myself. Anne Shirley put it best: “Well, I wouldn’t marry anyone who was really wicked, but I think I’d like it if he could be wicked and wouldn’t.” I love this sentiment!
10. Perseverance – As a master at using a variety of psychological devices to cloak who I am, I am always amazed at friends who are vigilant and deliberate enough to see beyond the veil of my inadequacies and fear in order to wait around for the “real” me to show up. I am in awe of a God who is both willing and relentless in pursuing me and find myself questioning his logic.

Now, it’s your turn, both because I’m curious and because it’s a good exercise in reminding oneself what one believes is important.

Seriously, post your 10 words in the comments section below or better still, post a note or use your status on Facebook to publish your priorities.

If you’re still unmoved, send me an email and let me know what you came up with. I’m certain it will be exceptional.