2nd 1st impressions

I work on a tour of first impressions. Save for the few people I live with everyday, my wardrobe, hair style, and attitude is new to everyone I meet in the theaters. They would have no idea I had worn the same pants and shirt the day before. They would never suspect I prefer mustard over mayonnaise. They would, however, realize straight off if I was competent, organized, articulate, and well-mannered. These qualities are worthy candidates for first impressions but can often be misread.

My aunt came to our last show in Billings, and as always, she looked lovely. She’s not my Beautiful Aunt Kareen for nothing. Her energy, even after a long day of school and driving, was boundless as ever. Of course, I have the privilege of knowing this about her anyway just like my crew team know that I have 4 black shirts that I rotate. So I was more than proud to introduce her to the rest of the team and children, confident that their first impressions of her would confirm all the things I say about her on a regular basis.

I wonder how I come across. It’s easy to judge the appearances and sometimes the intellect, but how about the character that really makes the most difference in relating with people? How are we called to come across? A song says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Talk about deep, abstract, personal first impressions. What does that even mean? Does that include appearances, words, actions, AND unspoken words? All of the above I think. One’s heart can really be examined by the actions of the hands. Without the desire and motivation to do something, one will not proceed in acting upon a task. If the task is done out of fear or coercion, onlookers will be able to see the lack of heart, joy and peace.

And what if a person fails to give a good first impression? Do they get a second chance? Do we require even more of the person, as if a sense of trust had been broken? First impressions are difficult to nail all the time. So I think the second impressions are more worthwhile because at this point, the superficiality no longer matter. They might influence the second impression, but for fairness sake, the second impression is where most of us would exceed expectations. So let your words and appearance be noticed, but hope that the actions, energy, and character be remembered.