How A Hairbrush Saved My Sanity

brush

 

Time For Something New

Or maybe it was the broken combs. One way or the other, though, my hair–my somewhat-wild-and-wooly-head-of-hair–has  illuminated a platitude for me. Here’s the saying:

One definition of  insanity is to do the same thing over and over expecting different results. 

We’ve all heard it a million times, right? Sure we have. But here’s the thing: I’ve grown my hair out, over the past two years, from a short style to a longer ‘do. And a few months ago I broke my comb while combing through my head o’ hair.

So I bought another comb.

And broke it. 

I was at the drugstore, looking at combs, trying to determine which one stood the best chance of making its way through my overabundant locks unscathed, when it dawned on me: You don’t need a comb. You need a brush.

The same old thing isn’t working like it did. It’s time to try something different. 

So I chose a pretty pink paisley paddle brush (much to my husband’s amusement, but that’s a story for another day).

The episode got me to thinking. 

What else do I keep doing the same way, over and over, all the while hoping for a different outcome? 

I don’t have an answer for you yet. I’m still thinking about it. And praying on it. But I’m hopeful.

It’s true, and it’s comforting, that our God is immutable. He’s the same for all eternity.

All the same, He’s promised us: Someday, everything will be made new. 

So, starting today, instead of sitting around resigned, I’m searching my life for no-longer-helpful habits so I can let them go, try a different way, make them new.

How about you? 

18 “Do not call to mind the former things,
Or ponder things of the past.
19 “Behold, I will do something new,
Now it will spring forth;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.
20 “The beasts of the field will glorify Me,
The jackals and the ostriches,
Because I have given waters in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert,
To give drink to My chosen people.
21 “The people whom I formed for Myself
Will declare My praise.”

Isaiah 43:18-21 (NASB)

Comments

  1. I like this. A lot. And not just because the hairbrush is pink and paisley.

    I hope you’ll update with what you decide to keep and what thing you decide to let go.

    • Thanks, Nancy. I’m hoping so too. Seeking some clarity first, and hoping that’s not just an excuse I’m making to myself.

  2. “… waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert…” I always love that reminder. Quenching the parched. (And I think your new brush is charming!)

  3. Yes, it is time to change our ways when the same thing no longer seems to work. Good choice, I like pink!

  4. I bought a blue paisley hairbrush a few years ago when something in my life was being made new.

  5. Hi Sheila,

    I’ve been having difficulty with the clasps on jewelry for a long time. This morning, it dawned on me that using my left hand to open the clasp and the right hand to insert the other end might work. A simple change made a difficult task easier. Truly a “duh” moment for me. 🙂

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