Settling

On Valentine's Day at Acme getting last minute cards, flowers, and candy for some of the women in my life (Samantha, Chrissie, and Aunt Sue), the guy behind me in line and I started a conversation. Mostly I was complaining about how I waited to the last minute to do all of this and how I do not like that this took me very little thought and planning. Yes, I can be romantic. He responded with, "Yea, but we end up here again next year on Valentine's Day, buying gifts. It is what it is."

"It is what it is" is that the updated version of "its all good"? What does this mean: "it is what it is?" Is it an acceptance of reality, that I cannot change what is happening around me? Is it an acceptance that there are some things beyond my control? Of course, I do believe that most things are out of my control. However, it almost sounds to me a resignation, resigning to the fact that I cannot change anything around me, and I certainly cannot change myself. The guy behind me was a great guy because he was trying to encourage me, saying that it is not a big deal. Possibly if we extended our conversation, we discussed "what is a big deal," and where does he want to see change in his culture and maybe in his own life. Or maybe not because guys do not always like to talk, especially conversations that would cause introspection (which is another whole blog).

What does "it is what it is" mean? Is this my way, our way of being passive in the face of a difficult, hopeless situation? "It is what it is" signal helplessness, in the face of what may seem beyond my ability to resolve this situational problem. I am beginning to believe that this is no longer acceptable. Maybe, possibly, hopeless optimistic, through the Holy Spirit and definitely not on my own, I can begin to bring change the reality that needs change through justice, mercy, and grace. And, not settle for "it is what it is." I can't wait for "the world to change" as John Mayer sings. How will that happen? Unsure. Possibly, I will slow down and watch for that burning bush. But I still need to do something ... so I need to begin with my relationships in my community. I think that I have been hiding in my house long enough. I will probably move beyond the wave and the "hey." One of the 20 somethings in my neighbor wanted to get a beer, I need to take him up on that.