Everyone Poops...

"All living things eat, so Everyone poops." - Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi

I first read this children’s book by Taro Gomi when my childhood friend had a baby back in the early ‘90s. She bought the book and we laughed and laughed. I loved the literal meaning of the words, but also the reality that everyone, not just some of us, have poop in our lives!

"Some stop to poop. 
Others do it on the move. 
Some poop here and there.
Others do it in a special place." 
- Taro Gomi

I have always been a person who recognized that poop exists. And have not tried to hide the poop that has often been prevalent in my life; sometimes as a result of my own mistakes, and sometimes because others have pooped and I stepped in it. This is not to say that I have shared all of my dirty “diapers” but that I don’t try to act like somehow I don’t poop.

"Some animals poop and pay no attention.

Others clean up after themselves." - Taro Gomi

There have been people in my life that had no problem seeing my poop (and pointing out the stench of it), but refused to believe that they poop, too. Too bad that they could not realize that the poop they smelled was what was left on my shoes as a result of stepping in their poop. These are the hardest people to form a lasting loving relationship with.

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Okay, enough of “poop-eeze.” You get the point, or least I hope you do. So here it is. Everyone has things in their lives that they are not proud of, or that they wish did not happen. Everyone has done something that they have regretted and are embarrassed about. But not everyone is willing to own up to their shortcomings and failures. Instead, many people try to hide the things they have done wrong, or pretend it never happened. Or, worse yet, they blame others for their own actions. If you are this type of person let me give you some perspective: Hiding poop does not take away the smell. In fact, it often makes things worse.

But, I suppose if you are a person who can’t smell yourself, then you won’t think that this pertains to you. So, let’s talk instead about how to deal with those people that want to point out your faults, but refuse to see their own.

How do you handle the poopy people in your life? Do you run from them? Do you confront them? Do you talk about them to everyone else, but then just live with their mess? I must admit that I am usually in turmoil over these people. I usually can’t sleep, I overeat due to the stress of it all, I get opinions from all my friends and family and then I eventually confront. However, if there is no change in future behavior, and many times there isn’t, I leave…quietly. I guess my theory is that you can’t force change on someone; if they don’t want to change, or don’t see a need to change, then they won’t change. And if you don’t want to live with them the way that they are, then you should feel free to leave…quietly.

Now, I am certain that there are some of you who think that I need to work it out if I am calling myself a Christian. But the Bible clearly says, “As much as depends on you, pursue peace with all men.” (NIV, Romans 12:18). My part is trying to work it out with the person, admitting what I may have done in the situation, being willing to see my poop, and being open to change. But if there is no change on the other person's part, then I am released. I continue in peace by not putting myself in a position to be exposed to their poop any longer, and also not purposely causing an uproar in the other person's life.

"All living things eat, so

Everyone poops." - Taro Gomi

So as you move forward in your life know that everyone, everywhere poops. When you poop, clean it up so that others are not forced to step in it.