THE HEART BROKEN SIDE OF THE GLASS
It’s probably not right to laugh when I see it, but I can hardly keep from it. I’ve stood in those shoes; the hungry and heart broken side of the glass. Expectation is a hard thing to have stolen from you… even worse when it’s right before your very eyes.
You can tell a lot about a person by how they react to being ripped off in a business exchange. I guess personal expectations could even be worse. Some folks take it in stride, almost as if they’ve had their expectations pulled out from underneath them like a rug so often in life that they’ve come to expect it, like they might deserve to get shafted. Others might chalk it up to a fallen world and move on.
Then there are the other type of people, folks like me, they’re the ones it’s hard not to chuckle at when they stand in front of their desire. They can see it. They can pay for it. But they can’t have it… so close but yet so far.
The most heartbreaking occasion is when the object of our want or need moves toward the glass and metal cliff between a metal corkscrew spinning the treasure ever closer to us. But every once in a while, Providence, karma, or dumb luck falls to the vending machine side of the glass.
I’ve witnessed the bag of nuts in the hospital cafeteria or office building vending machine as it pushes toward the glass just to stop short of the drop off, like a kid chickening out of jumping off the cliff that’s a little too high. Disappointment lasts only as long as it takes the red hot blood to rush to the face. Usually at that point the sore loser yells too loud for the surroundings, “C’mon!” Typically open handed palm strikes to the machine just about shoulder height and to the side of the glass of the mocking machine. I know…
The nuts, cookies, chips, Diet Dr. Pepper, Diet Coke, or even water, never budge. They’re in it with the machine, they’ve made a pact behind the glass to wreck someone’s day. The hot headed loser sometimes at that point will usually yell one more time at the injustice of it all and punch the machine with a closed fist, not full speed, just about half… or so I’ve heard.
I wonder how many times I’ve been like that hard hearted vending machine in my life. We make implied promises only to break the heart of another soul by not fulfilling their expectations. Likewise, we tend to expect others to treat us as if they were a vending machine, put in the proper amount of time, effort, money, or any number of ways that tend to bring us to the point of expectation, and we’re like the hungry hot head, ready to give that person a piece of our mind. Or worse, walk off and vow to never be taken advantage of again.
The words of Christ don’t leave a lot up to interpretation, “If someone asks for your coat, don’t withhold your shirt from them.” Seems we’re not to treat others like we would a machine, but maybe I shouldn’t expect others to respond like one either.
It’s rarely a fifty-fifty trade off in this life and I’ve probably too often had the mindset that other people are like vending machines. If I were one I’d probably have my sides and glass kicked in by now. We don’t always get what we give, but then again, were not called to give in order to get, except for when it’s a vending machine…
After picking up my things, I turned, dropped my coins into the slot, pressed the plastic button with the back lit “Dr. Pepper”, and waited… Pressed the button again… Nothing. Pressed the coin release lever… Nothing… “Hey, Kevin, your machine just ripped me off!” I called to him in the back. He laughed with a too much pleasure, “Sorry, Floyd, it’s not my machine!”
Hhhhhuuuu… I rest my case…
Dan Erickson
Friday, April 25, 2014 @ 5:45 am
I hate it when the machine rips me off. But I think I might do this with my daughter sometimes. It’s a fine line between discipline and just being stubborn.
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 10:08 am
Good call, Dan. The line is so fine we sometimes don’t even know when we cross it. I appreciate your honesty and insight, my friend. Thanks.
Ceil
Friday, April 25, 2014 @ 8:41 am
Hi Floyd! I love the image of the dangling snack in the machine. I don’t think there are any of us who couldn’t relate to that. So close! At least you’re not banging on the glass or rocking the machine in your frustration 🙂
It is such a great metaphor for how far I’ll go to give my time to anyone. Do I restrict myself? Do I wait for someone to ‘bang’ on my glass before I’ll even notice that I’m needed…all great thoughts. I really like this one Floyd. Makes me think!
Have a wonderful Friday,
Ceil
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 10:10 am
Thanks, Ceil. Maybe they should make that glass a bit more reflective so we can see ourselves clearly! It’s tough to look inside our hearts, so much to reveal there. Glad I’m not alone! Blessings to you and yours! Have a great weekend!
Thomas Mason
Friday, April 25, 2014 @ 12:17 pm
When that happens to me, I only bang on the machine when there’s no one around. Being an extreme introvert,I don’t like to bring attention to myself. So most times I consider the money gone forever. I guess I do that in life a lot. You know, pretend there’s nothing wrong when there really is. Consider life more of a loss than I gain. Hmmm…this sounds like a potential blog article.
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 10:12 am
I so appreciate your honesty and intellect, Thomas. You have a way of driving a point home deeper. It’s amazing how our life perspective has an impact on even the smallest and seemingly insignificant things in our lives. I’ll look forward to that post! Thanks, Thomas.
June
Friday, April 25, 2014 @ 5:16 pm
Your post made me think of how rare it is to find people of integrity anymore, even among Believer’s. You used to be able to take {most} people at their word {Believer’s or not} but that has gone the way of the dinosaurs. It’s sad because it diminishes our overall trust in people – we’ve had THAT conversation before, lol! It also made me think about what I hold back from people. I don’t think I hold back on implied promises {at least I hope I don’t} but it made me wonder what I do hold back that I should freely give. Goes back to the trust issue again. It’s a vicious circle. BTW – I knew you had some Texan in you, Floyd! Give me a shout next time you’re headed this way, my husband and I would like to meet you in real life!
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 10:16 am
It is a vicious cycle! I’m with you on the whole integrity issue. The days of a person having more pride in their character than their shoes seems to be ancient history. Sad times.
Yeah, not only Texas, but also Arkansas! I was born there behind my dad and grandpa! Explains a lot huh? I’ll give you a shout out, June. I’d love to meet you and your husband. Sounds fun! Thanks!
Lynn Morrissey
Friday, April 25, 2014 @ 5:29 pm
Where on EARTH do you get these metaphors, Floyd? I almost wrote MEAT-A-PHORS, and that is a great Freudian slip. They really are meaty and food for the soul. Not sure how much meat you’re gonna get from a vending machine, but your point is well taken. We treat people often as if they are mechanized and we just want to plunk in our quarter and either get what we can from them quick or else expect more than what we paid for. Whatever happened to relationship, or frankly, the giving part that you mention so eloquently from the Bible? This is a fast-food society for sure, but sadly, in the human realm. Jesus may not have lived here long, but His contributions were lasting. I’m so glad you follow His lead. Hope this makes sense……still feeling under the weather.
Love
Lynn
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 10:19 am
Makes perfect sense, Lynn! I’m always fascinated how well you can sum up and add to a subject so eloquently in such a short amount of space… You have a wonderful gift and heart from our Savior, proof that His contributions are lasting! Thanks and bless you and all of your family and friends, Lynn. Hang in there sister.
Hazel Moon
Friday, April 25, 2014 @ 6:01 pm
I once ordered a cup of coffee, and the coffee poured, but there was NO cup. What a let down. It is sad the realize that we don’t always measure up to the expectation of others. Great Post Floyd, and expect it to show up at “Tell Me a True Story.”
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 10:21 am
I forgot about the coffee vending machines! I once had a cup come upside down and the coffee splashed all over it. Talk about disappointing! Thanks, Hazel. And thanks for letting me share it with you at your wonderful site!
Nancy Kehr
Friday, April 25, 2014 @ 9:08 pm
Hi Floyd…
You got me to thinking about the time I took sign-language. There are so many things hearing people take for granted. Your vending machine example was one of them. For instance, we’d put our money in the coffee or hot chocolate machine and a cup would drop with a “Plop”. Then the sound of coffee could be heard filling it up and the machine would “wind down” indicating that it was done. In the meantime, we could be talking with other students, looking around aimlessly or be otherwise distracted for a few moments while we waited. But for the hearing-impaired, it was a whole different game. They would, of necessity, need to keep an eye on the process because they were unable to hear it. We, the hearing students, took those sound patterns for granted and when a cup didn’t “plop” it was our cue to jump away fast so as not to be drenched by the coffee which was being dispensed with no receptacle! What a mess that was! Taking that course really alerted me to a number of things. An eye-opener, if you will. Also a heart-opener. Your examples made me think about listening/hearing with the heart. Especially where people are concerned…..also when it comes to placing wrong expectations. Excellent thoughts! Thanks for sharing!
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 10:38 am
Wow. I hadn’t given that much thought, but it makes perfect sense. We take so much for granted, even in our spirit I think. I’m with you when it comes to listening and hearing with our hearts, it’s not my strong suit, but God is bringing me around! I love that picture of your son, Nancy! That captures that moment perfectly! Thanks for sharing that and your wisdom!
Betty Draper
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 7:10 am
Oh this one steps on my toes a little. I have not always been gracious with unmet expectations. Learning to be a Godly responder instead of a reactor is on going. If I am walking in the spirit I will respond with grace, in the flesh, watch out, my reaction will not be pretty.
We don’t always get what we give, but then again, were not called to give in order to get, except for when it’s a vending machine. Really glad God is not a vending machine, He never withholds mercy and grace, always the giver even when I am acting like a vendor machine. Oh, to be more like Jesus is my cry. Good post brother, one to make the reader, me, examine myself.
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 10:41 am
You’re not alone, Betty. I’m standing on the broken hearted side of the glass with you and with the exact same heart, regret, and desire, as well as thankfulness for our Father’s grace. We’ve come a long way, Betty, I suspect I’ve got a ways to go to catch up with you, but He’s bringing us along the same path. Blessings to you and yours. Thanks, Betty.
Bill (cycelguy)
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 7:57 am
It is essential to my ongoing growth as a follower of Christ to avoid vending machines. I prefer to go to a store where I can get what I pay for (somewhat higher possibly), but least I know I am getting something. Much easier on my example. 🙂
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 10:42 am
Good point, Bill! The vending machines have a way of bringing out the worst in us! I was able to laugh it off that day at the blueprint shop, but that hasn’t always been the case! Thanks, Bill.
Voni
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 12:14 pm
Talk about pretending nothing’s wrong…I often just put money in the same machine right after getting ripped off. Maybe it’ll work the second time. Or the third. LOL.
But usually I go to the person in charge. How can they fix the machine or give me money back if they don’t know? Though God already knows of these little betrayals–and the big ones–taking it to Him is the magic. He is trustworthy!
Blessings, Voni
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 6:38 pm
He is indeed the magic! Supernaturally in charge of all in His creation! Good call, Voni. There usually isn’t anyone around when I’m getting ripped off! But I’ve done my share of taking and not giving as well, just in different ways. You have the right perspective, Voni… you might need to give me lessons! Thanks, Voni.
Wanda
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 12:49 pm
Oh this is so good Floyd. Reading your words have given me a clearer picture of a vending machine impression that came to me once. I was thinking of it in the way we often approach God like a vending machine but you expanded thinking.
Floyd
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 6:40 pm
Oh, that’s a good thought, Wanda! We do tend to treat Him like a vending machine. Not good, but we live and learn. Some of us are just slower learners than others. But I’m coming around! Great thoughts, Wanda. Thanks for sharing!
Cynthia
Saturday, April 26, 2014 @ 9:12 pm
You know, Floyd, this is a great analogy about how we view life. When we put something in, we expect to get something back. Sometimes, we do and sometimes, we don’t. I’ve been on both sides of the glass, the giver and the taker. It’s always better to be the giver…you know, just throwing out those grace vibes and holding tight to His hand–receiving more and more grace as we continue on our journey. What else can we do? Well, we can sit around all pissy and sour or we can shake the dust from our feet and move on with Him as our guide. Yeah, I tend to just move foward, learning from the sides of the glass on which I have stood, becoming more tenderhearted and walking by grace. Peace, Floyd!
Floyd
Monday, April 28, 2014 @ 5:30 pm
That was wonderfully stated, Cynthia! It His grace that always gives… even when we’re taking. Profound words, sister! Thanks for sharing your heart and wisdom and bringing more clarity and understanding to the subject!
Lisa notes
Monday, April 28, 2014 @ 7:27 am
“Expectation is a hard thing to have stolen from you… even worse when it’s right before your very eyes.” Isn’t that the truth? When I thought I was going to miss my connecting flight Friday night to get home, I was sorely disappointed because coming home was so close. Yet so far. God had mercy on me and shook the machine so I got my treat (I got home!). 🙂 But it doesn’t always happen that way. I want to do better about laughing when the candy doesn’t drop and not hold on so tightly to my expectations. I’m learning, but not there yet. Thanks for this reminder, Floyd.
Floyd
Monday, April 28, 2014 @ 5:33 pm
You’re not alone, Lisa! I’m better than I was, but I’m still severely lacking. It’s not easy to laugh when the snack doesn’t drop, but it’s better on the soul… and I can use a good fast every now and then… Thanks, Lisa. Glad you made the connecting flight! Been there when it didn’t work out so well… Yeah, I threw a fit… but that’s a whole different story and issue!
Lincoln Parks
Monday, April 28, 2014 @ 9:31 am
The sermon yesterday was on this very thing Floyd and that is expectations. You must be listening in, or it was meant for me to receive yet again. Oh and by the way, there may have been a few times where I wanted to put my foot through the glass of the vending machine. I settled for a football shoulder tackle.
Floyd
Monday, April 28, 2014 @ 5:38 pm
I wasn’t eavesdropping! I think it’s an issue we all need to hear, me as much as you… well, maybe not, I’ve never actually tackled a vending machine! We’re getting better all the time, Lincoln! Thanks, man.
Shandra White Harris
Monday, April 28, 2014 @ 8:33 pm
Oh what a great story. (not that I would know about broken hearts or broken glass or pushing around vending machines 😉 ) Well done.
Floyd
Tuesday, April 29, 2014 @ 5:47 pm
I’ll take that wink as code word, Shandra! We all get tested don’t we? Are grades are going higher than we ever would have thought possible! Thanks, Shandra!
TC Avey
Tuesday, April 29, 2014 @ 9:58 am
You have a gift for taking minute daily events and turning them into life lessons! You could do an ebook on some of your most popular posts about how to see God in daily life experiences,
A few weeks back a machine took my money in a mall. I looked around for someone to help, though I’m not sure why I did. My kid was with me, so I told him, “sometimes things like this happen”. What I wanted to do was hit the machine 🙂
Floyd
Tuesday, April 29, 2014 @ 5:50 pm
Oh, I knew exactly what you wanted to do! I know you too well! The apple thing, you know! Good for you for keeping your cool. It’s not what we say, it’s what they see. Good for you, TC. Seriously, good for you. And thanks for the kind comments.
Hazel
Wednesday, April 30, 2014 @ 12:14 pm
I placed this one on Facebook and my friend Vicki K said:
“This is a great sight Hazel, thank you. Enjoyed the metaphor of the vending machine.”
Floyd
Wednesday, April 30, 2014 @ 10:50 pm
Awe thanks, sister. We all do what we’re called to. None more than you. I appreciate your heart of love and wisdom. You are a blessing in more ways than you’ll know this side of the curtain, sister.