Putting Things into Context–or the Answer to Why?

I spend a lot of time thinking about how to put things into context.

It helps me sort out what is happening and what things mean.

My husband and children roll their eyes when I “over explain,” (their words) why we’re doing something.

I never understood why they wouldn’t want to know the why.

Doesn’t everyone want to know why they’re doing something so they can put it into the context of their day?

Apparently not.

A family of origin problem?

After years of puzzlement, I decided my need for context came from my childhood.

One of my parents tended toward the “wildcard” approach to life.

While one tried valiantly to remain organized–just so things could get done and dinner served–the other didn’t always cooperate.

That parent meant well, but preferred to keep options open.

Which means even the best laid plans would often switch.

It drove me crazy and the “whys” would need to be swallowed in the face of changing circumstances.

Parenting in Context

As a parent, I determined I would not do that to my children.

This is how the Trevi Fountain works.

(Unfortunately, after all these years, I see that I, too, often succumb to the “keeping options open” plan. I’m sorry, kids).

So, I would explain why I thought we needed to do something–trying to win them to my side, as it were–and then do it.

When I changed my mind (!) or circumstances altered, I always explained why plans were changing–so as to keep my reasons for changing in context.

Really, they were excellent reasons!

Ah, but it is something else?

Last summer I attended the Leverage speaker training conference and needed to take the StrengthFinders test prior to the event.

I’d not heard of this test before–certainly I’d done the Myers-Briggs testing, but nothing to determine my personal strengths.

From the website:

“Gallup created the science of strengths. From more than 50 years of research to our bestselling books, Gallup’s StrengthsFinder assessments have helped millions of people discover what they do best.”

I took the $15 version and was provided with a list of my five strengths.

This sign makes little sense out of context.

Leverage wanted to capitalize on that information to help me see where my strengths lie as a speaker.

It was fascinating.

And, perhaps no surprise, my number one strength was CONTEXT.

Or, as StrengthFinders described that characteristic:

“People who are especially talented in the Context theme enjoy thinking about the past. They understand the present by researching its history.”

I laughed when I read the top five, perfect for a woman who writes inspirational fiction and biography: context, individualization (“intrigued with the unique qualities of each person”), communication (obvious), belief (I’m a Christian) and responsibility (the role of a Navy wife, first born, etc. ).