Years ago, my good friend from Baton Rouge, Doug Pacas, and I used to have a lot of fun at the expense of a certain TV preacher that had the worst comb-over hair style you’ve ever seen. We would imitate the guy and then go on and on about his hair. We used to ask each other, “How could he not know how awful it looks? Does he realize everyone can tell he is combing up most of what’s on his head from below his shoulders?”
Back then, we would have said, “Not us. We’ll never comb our hair over like that.”
Now, years later, Doug has absolutely no hair. True to his word, he just decided one day that he was not going to comb anything over – he was just going to shave it all off. It looks pretty good too.
But me? Well, I’m the perfect candidate for the comb-over. Enough hair to keep me from considering the nuclear option, but now, what I have is getting back there far enough to make the comb-over seem like a reasonable option.
Until the other day. A windy day, that is.
I was walking in to my office from the parking lot. I knew my hair was flying all over my head so, in a moment of trying to look presentable, I just ran my fingers through the stuff and attempted to put it back in place – without a mirror. I assumed everything had returned to its original position…until later in the morning when I saw myself in the mirror! My worst fear had come true – I had a comb-over. There was hair on the right side of my head that originated over my left ear. I did a quick adjustment, but I’m afraid the damage had been done. I saw what I had become.
So, the next time you see something about someone else that you want to make fun of, proceed with caution. One day, you may in fact become the very person you laugh at while in Walmart.
Those old folks that drive you crazy now…well, that will be you in just a short time. And you’ll wonder where all the years – and hair – have gone!
The lesson of the unintentional comb-over: When it comes to people – be gentle.
Someday, you could be them.
Mike
Mike Harland is the Director of LifeWay Worship. When he’s not directing 30+ employees, you’ll find him leading worship at various churches around the country, writing/arranging worship songs and/or, writing his next book. In his spare time, he loves playing basketball and spending time with his family. Mike can be found on Twitter @MikeHarlandLW and on facebook.com/Mike.Harland.37.
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