RESISTANCE

RESISTANCE

True confession – I love my husband. Out of my love for him, I have watched my share of science fiction, specifically Star Trek, my husband’s all-time favorite TV series. I do not love science fiction, or anything related to it. This is my disclaimer for what follows.

 “Resistance is futile,” the famous catchphrase of the Borg Collective (a single alien group composed of many species), was spoken when they were about to assimilate another species into the collective. That is what they did, assimilate others and were seemingly unstoppable. To paraphrase, they were saying, “give up, you have already lost.”  Their goal was perfection. Eventually, the starship Voyager, commanded by captain, Katherine Janeway, severely weakened the collective’s power, but only Species 8472 (a shape shifting xenophobic race) truly resisted the Borg.

Before rolling out of bed, as grateful as I am to open one eye and see the time projected on the bedroom’s ceiling (a story for another time) – as thankful as I am that my lungs are working –as  filled with desire as I am to get the body moving and the day started, there is a small ball of resistance that rolls around in the gratitude, thankfulness and desire. The ball grows as it gathers fibers from wanting to stay in bed for more sleep, or from the thought of cold weather or any other obstacle that comes to mind. Every day my resilience is tested by this ball of resistance. I choose to believe that I am not an anomaly.

I don’t want to get up. I need to get up. I don’t want to stretch. I need to stretch. I don’t want to go to the 6:30 workout class. I need to go. All of these “don’t want to” could be red flags to stop. I am a lifelong early riser. The struggle of “do I have to or do I want to,” has been and is my faithful companion. Frankly, I am tired of my companion. I am at the place of saying to myself with a certain amount of disdain “whatever…just get your rear end out of the bed and get to it.” That mostly works but it is tiresome. There must be a more excellent way to start the day.

If this morning rising scenario resonates with you, I invite you to join me in trying a simple different tactic.

Greet the ball of resistance with words of welcome instead of loathing. “Good morning, Resistance-welcome to this new day!” Instead of allowing it to gain its usual momentum, I will recognize the resistance and be cordial and welcoming. It is my hope that I can turn the resistance from foe to friend or at least minimize its power.

Back to the Borg - I claim honorary status with Species 8472.

With my new status, I will resist my ball of resistance by embracing it as a part of who I am. The Borg was defeated when they ventured into the native realm of the Species 8472. It wasn’t an easy war/conflict- lasting five months. Resistance has been in my territory for too long. My resilience coupled with being an early riser and being a very disciplined and initiative-taking personality, are good weapons to fight and win this war. Do I think it will happen overnight? I highly doubt it…but it is my desire.

What are you struggling with that wants you to believe… “Resistance is futile?” There’s always space in Species 8472. We can become our own collective.

Ephesians 6:10

PONDER THIS THOUGHT---Surrender to any resistance that impedes the forward path is called failure.

MEET CHARLIE