We live in a small, rural town in south Texas. So small, that we increased the population by 1% when we moved to town. The bustling metropolis that is Downtown New Berlin doesn’t even warrant a blinking light. We’re a multi-stop-sign kind of place. An intersection with a feed store, a bar, a restaurant, and a park.
That setup makes it very easy to have a conversation around dinner time. We just ask, “Hey, do you want to go to the restaurant?” We don’t have to complicated and specify which restaurant. There’s only “the” restaurant in New Berlin.
Since we moved here four years ago, “the” restaurant has changed hands several times. The transition creates a conundrum in conversations around eating out. We have to specify which restaurant, in which neighboring town…because “the” restaurant in New Berlin isn’t open. As I write this, the Greater New Berlin area is in the midst of one of those conundrums, eagerly awaiting the re-opening of “the” restaurant.
And I was right there with them in eager anticipatorialness. Until I saw the sign. Or rather, until I saw the context that the sign was in.
It was funny…and also a little disconcerting. And it reminded me of this simple explanation of “why context matters” that I heard several years ago. It goes like this.
Here’s the difference between context and content. Let’s say you have a bag of M&M’s. You open that brand new bag of M&Ms, and you pour them into a beautiful crystal vase. You set that vase out on a gorgeous buffet table that you’ve setup for guests you have coming over for a party.
The M&M’s are the conTENT, and the vase is the conTEXT.
Do people see those M&M’s as valuable? As good to eat? Of course they do. Because the beautiful crystal vase that they’re in sets the context for the value of the M&M.
Now take that same brand-new bag of M&M’s…and pour them into a garbage can. Put that garbage can on your buffet and watch people’s reaction.
They’re the same M&M’s. The conTENT is no different. It’s the conTEXT – the container – that cues people into the value of what’s being presented.
As I sat there half smirking, half grossed out, I considered the various contexts that I create.
What context do I set by they way I take care of myself? Do I dress like a crystal vase…or a dumpster?
What context does my work environment set? Would a crystal vase go well on my desk? Or would a garbage can seem more appropriate?
What about our home? I’ve been in crystal vase homes that were concrete blocks, a tin roof and a dirt floor. And I’ve been in garbage can homes worth half a million dollars.
What about my car? Is it a dumpster or a vase?
And what about my words? My attitude? My beingness? Are they creating a crystal vase for my life and those around me? Or are they creating a dumpster-like experience?
All of that matters because we are the bag of M&M’s! We are each a highly desirable, delicious person.
The conTENT is amazing!
How about the conTEXT?
