As we watch the news, we witness the result of people plotting evil. Even when we take mental illness into account, plotting took place. What terrible things can happen when plotters get going!
But sometimes everyday normal people plot. I know I do, and I can bet that you do also. I rarely carry out the plans that rise in the dark corners of my soul, but they sometimes bubble and churn. They often rise out of hurt feelings, or misunderstanding. If I were to begin to believe them, they could take over my life.
Our proverbs give us a hint at how plots begin to get carried out. The first place we usually notice plots is when they begin to be spoken. We share the details of our pain and the plan to make things right by telling someone. We do this to get more people on our side. We color the facts so that we come out looking like the one in the right, the one justified in what we are plotting.
We stir up support and a greater number of people involved in the plot. We don’t want to be alone in our thinking. We continue to spread our story of injury and their wrong doing.
Then we trick the other person into walking down a path that will lead them into our trap. We pretend to be on their side, as we walk them to the point of attack. We play on their weaknesses. We have done our research and we know how to trip them up.
Then comes the moment of execution of the plan. We signal to our coconspirators that now is the time. We probably don’t wink, but eye signals, even the momentary changes in the face, give us away, if anyone is watching. We write the message on Facebook. We tweet. We give the person a negative review online. We make a public statement aimed at them. We tell their boss. We inform the spouse about what we saw. And so it goes.
You don’t plot good things. You can plan good things. Surprise parties take planning. Anniversaries, birthdays, special occasions all take planning. But the outcome of this kind of planning is blessing, not hurt.
Next time someone comes to you with a plot, bring it into the light. Don’t let it stay hidden. Call the person out and stop the plot in its tracks.
The Arnold Journey 