My wife, sister-in-law, and longtime friend got together to watch a movie the other night. They made it a girls’ night out. Apparently, while they were together, the topic of my obsessive nature came up. My wife told me about the conversation later that night.
They discussed my obsessions with coffee, puzzles, board games, Harry Potter…the list went on and on. Yes, I prefer roasting my own Ethopian coffee beans. Yes, I own more puzzles than pairs of socks. Yes, I own three different versions of the game Risk (original, 1985, and current version). And yes, I’ve imagined what my patronus might be.
I can’t help it. When I find out about something new, I have to eek every bit of knowledge and experience out of it. When I find out there are experiences, flavors, and fun I’ve never heard about…I have to dive into that. So when I found out there’s a whole segment of the population obsessed with different varieties of black pepper…that quickly became my next obsession.
Some people label me as a ____ snob. Coffee snob. Pepper snob. Puzzle snob. Anytime I get a new obsession I learn everything I can about the topic and engage with the intricacies of the thing.
But to me, that doesn’t constitute a snob. That constitutes a child who can’t help but explore.
When a kid finds a deep cave, he isn’t a snob for exploring the cave. He may be a bit foolish and naive. But he’s just reacting to the curious nature inside him.
It’s the adult who steers clear of the stage. Either he assumes there’s nothing good inside or there’s just the usual stuff.
But a child dives in. He imagines what mysteries await inside. That’s what I am. I’m a child.
I wish the world had more explorers. More people willing to be incorrectly called snobs. Imagine the joy and wonder that would fill this place.
Good word. I love to see people engaged where they’re passionate, whether it be music, art, coffee, ministry, or whatever. It inspires and motivates me. It makes me feel less…alone.