Steinlausweibchen, frei nach Loriot. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Thankfulness/N

Today I’m thankful  for my naivety which fits nicely with the post about ignorance.  My family is always kidding my about how naïve I am about some things. For example, if a family member tells me something outlandish, (like there’s such a thing as a Michigan peacock) I’m very apt to believe them because of course, they wouldn’t lie. I easily fall for practical jokes therefore  people love to pick on me.

The first definition for naïve in the dictionary is “inexperienced”. I’m certainly not inexperienced.  I’ve experienced enough of life to know its reality.  Another definition is “youthful”. Young people are generally considered naïve. Young people generally trust and believe in people.  Young people believe in possibilities. I’ll take this definition.

 It  means I trust and believe in people. I often walk into situations where I can’t win no matter what because I always believe people can change. I’m often disappointed because my level of expectation of others is so high sometimes. I am always surprised if someone has said something hurtful about me. I’m naïve enough to believe most people like me. I am always surprised when other people say or do things that are immoral or unethical. It is totally beyond my understanding to learn that people cheat on their taxes or are undercharged or not charged at all for a purchase and don’t bring it to the clerk’s attention. I’m always surprised when people don’t play fair. I guess I really am naïve.

But that’s o.k. I rather be the one picked on than the one that does the picking . I’d rather be easy to play a joke on than so sophisticated no one would dare. I rather be naïve and see the wonder of life, than so jaded I can only see the ugly.

I’m naïve enough to believe that just because the “experts” say I’ll continue to suffer depression because I have had some episodes in the past  they’re wrong and that I’m the expert on my own health. I’m naïve enough to believe that relationships can improve if people would only be gently honest with each other. 

I’ll admit it. I’m naïve. I’m naïve enough to believe that God still performs miracles. I’m naïve enough to believe that my prayers really matter. I’m naïve enough to believe that God is who He says He is, that He can do what He says He can do, that I am who God says I am, and that I can handle anything God allows in my life. Call me naïve if you will. I call myself smart.