PARAPET

PARAPET

Having never heard the word nor seen it written, it was love at first sight. Upon googling I was completely taken in. As much as I was intrigued by the sound of the word, parapet (it sounds exactly like it is spelled), I chuckled when I read its definition.

A parapet is a low wall built around the edge of a roof, terrace, balcony, or walkway. It is a visual barrier whose primary purpose is safety and secondarily aesthetics. Parapets keep people from falling off rooftops, construction crews from falling to their death and hide roof top mechanics. They can be boxed, perforated or a railing. It did not take me long to find a parapet in my home, the rail at the top of the stairs.

Parapets create boundaries and the concept is applicable to life.

I love the music of John Batiste. I watched my favorite late night TV host interview him about his documentary, “American Symphony,” before its release. I expressed a desire to my husband to attend a live performance. To our surprise, we discovered his touring schedule included our city and that the cost of the tickets would be half of our monthly mortgage. Common sense was the parapet that kept me from falling off the roof of “I want.”  As I recount this story, I realize some of you may say, “no brainer.” True, but you and I have many places and situations that are “no brainers” and yet warrant a “common sense” parapet.

Pretty ornamental walls are what we may erect around ourselves to hide the unsightly stuff we wish to keep private. Secrets are buried within the confines of our psyche and what others see from the outside is the very nicely constructed parapet that keeps the secret safely in – from exposure. Others may get a glimpse of what is on the other side of the parapet but can’t touch or get to the real you. Aesthetically pleasing is what the world sees while inwardly, things may be unraveling.

Many of us have trouble with the word, “NO!” This is especially true of our time when living under the illusion of being indispensable. Work and close relationships are prime targets. For all parties’ needs to be fulfilled and to be balanced, practice saying, “NO.”  “NO” keeps one from falling over the edge into exhaustion, burnout, etc. “NO” can keep an employee productive. Of course, you may choose to make it aesthetically pleasing for the hearer. Arm yourself with parapets like,  “No, I don’t want to do that, Let me check the calendar,  I have other plans, I am currently not accepting any new responsibilities, and when warranted bluntly saying, I could do what you are asking but I shouldn’t. I am sure you wouldn’t want me to do something I shouldn’t.”

Psalm 90:12

PONDER THIS THOUGHT---Guard your time to create more time for your purpose.