The Struggles of an Idealist

It was a beautiful evening last night--a really good one to take a walk around the neighborhood after dinner was over. It was Levi's idea, and when he asked me if I was up for it, I thought it sounded great. But then we realized about 5 minutes later that we were still sitting on the couch, thinking about what to do for the evening.

So you wanna go for a walk?, he asked me. 

I thought about it for a second, and said, Yeah, well I mean...I like the idea of going on a walk. But I don't actually want to walk.

He kind of laughed at me...maybe kissed me on the forehead...maybe patted my head...I can't really remember. But we didn't go on a walk. We opted to do our Bible study together and see if there was something on tv, and it was still a good evening together.

Then it happened again today. A little while ago I realized I was hungry for an afternoon snack, and when I looked in the fridge, I found that big 2-lb. box of strawberries I bought last week. See, they were on sale for $3.89, which was cheaper than the 1-lb. boxes that were $3.99, buy-1-get-1-free. I was so excited in the grocery store - not on saving .10c, but because I wasn't one of those stupid people who were tricked by the buy-1-get-1-free. And because strawberries are awesome, especially when they're on sale!

But that was last week - probably when they were at their sweetest, yummiest point - and I hadn't eaten any of them yet. I realized that I liked the idea of sale strawberries a lot, but there's no point in sale strawberries if you aren't going to eat them. Brilliant. So I had some strawberries.

It all got me thinking though...because I think I'm like that with a lot of things. You know, the idea of it vs. well, it. What's up with that? And how many things are like that in my life? 

The idea of working on the secret anniversary project vs, oh yeah, working on it (which makes my back really sore, btw).

The idea of being in shape vs. going to the gym.(That happened last night too. The idea part.)

The idea of laying out all the wonderful text for that conference program for work vs. hmmmmm.....ok what should I put here....no, backspace....UGH.....I'll try later. 

The idea of having a cozy, meaningful quiet time...maybe over a bowl of Starbucks ice cream, even? vs. actually opening my Bible. (Yet the ice cream still happens.)

The idea of making progress on life goals vs. actually taking steps to reach them.

The idea of walking vs. actually walking. Which was fine last night, but what about with bigger things?

Basically, inaction vs. action.

And don't get me wrong - I love ideas - I was a political theory major, after all.

But still...you know what I mean.