When half-full or half-empty fall short

Most of us have heard of the proverbial glass that contains water up to the half-way mark. It is a simple test that may indicate one’s general outlook on life. If a person sees the glass as being half-full it is a sign of optimism. If they see the glass as half-empty this reveals pessimism.

I understand the thinking behind this concept. However, I believe the illustration serves best as a beginning point. It should lead to further conversation and not a final destination.

What do I mean?

Let’s reexamine that glass of water. What if I told you that the glass is actually 100 percent full? Would you believe me?

I assure you that the glass is filled to the top. It contains 50 percent water and 50 percent air. We can see the water, but we may forget that air fills the rest of the glass.

Once reminded, a person will never see the half-filled/empty glass in the same way. The either-or, optimistic-pessimistic test may then yield a different understanding – that of 100 percent instead of half of that number.

Hebrews 1:11 says – “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

I am glad that I am a follower of Christ. In doing so, I follow imperfectly. I make mistakes. I don’t always do the right thing. I sometimes fail. My glass seems half empty. However, I do not believe that this is a pessimistic view.

On the contrary, I am optimistic. I am convinced that in spite of my shortcomings, the fullness of God’s love remains with me. You can’t always see the form that God’s love takes. It may be invisible to the eye. Where I fall short, God’s love redeems, restores and fills to the brim, and makes me complete.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 30 years.