Was That A Compliment?!

I believe it was a compliment. I think so, at least...in a weird sort of way. Yet, I have fixated on what was said to me yesterday. I’m able to laugh about it, because again, I believe it was meant in a good way…

Security guard at work: “Were you a fast runner in school?”
Me: -chuckle- “Not even!”
SG:  “You walk like you were a fast runner.”

I’m sure he could tell by the look on my face that I was perplexed by his statement so he went on to say… “The fast runners always were slightly bow-legged and their feet pointed in just a bit.”

My Brain: “Did he just call me bow-legged and pigeon toed?”  

Why yes…yes he did. So that’s a new descriptor that could be put in the bag of lies of who I am. Even though I know that wasn’t his intent.  It was just odd.

So I went on to tell him that I wasn’t a runner at all. I wasn’t active and I wasn’t athletic. I proceeded to tell him that in past I was about twice the size I am now.  He interrupted and said, “You know, someone told me you had lost a lot of weight.” And he actually high-fived me.  (More oddity)

Then I said it… “Yeah…about 3.5 years ago, God gave me the courage and strength to have gastric bypass surgery.”

People don’t really know how to respond to that some times.  And by the look on his face, he’s one of those people.  I’m not sure if it was a look of disapproval or a look of 'should I take my high five back?' or just a look of ‘now what do I say?’  Luckily for him someone else approached the desk for a legit business reason and I was able to leave.

But my fixation is three-fold. First – was that a compliment?  LoL  I mean did he really think I was a fast runner?  Second – WHO told him (and why?) that I had lost a lot of weight? Really?!  I mean, if I tell people that’s cool… heck I blog about it… but how does that get brought up anyway?  Third – Gastric Bypass Surgery is still a taboo in some eyes.

But here’s the good news. First – He meant well. I’m giving this guy the benefit of the doubt. He has good intentions; he’s friendly and he loves the Lord (other GOOD convos we’ve had in passing). So there was nothing about it that offended me. Second – so someone is talking about my weight loss.  How can I use that to bring glory to God? I can do exactly what I did… “God gave me the courage…” If others see His work IN me…then win/win!  Third – Gastric Bypass Surgery maybe taboo in some eyes, but a life changer (and/or saver) in others. Don’t worry about what people think about your choice. You know where you are and why you’ve come to this decision. Be okay with others not being okay with it.

Now off to stare in the mirror for a while and see if I see what he was talking about... (kidding!!!)

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"I praise you [God] because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." ~Psalm 139:14