The Clearing

I’ve arrived at the edge of the clearing. I’ll be free to move in whatever direction I choose…at least for a while. I’ll be back in the woods eventually, but for now, I’m relieved and invigorated by the latitude afforded in the open space, despite the vulnerability.

Back to Basics

Priorities are being re-prioritized whether I like it or not. I suppose I half-expected it to happen sooner or later…and now it’s later. It’s an adjustment I’m willing to make anyway so the transition will be easy enough. I lost the path long ago – destined for the circuitous route through the underbrush. I’m blessed to now possess a machete and am determinedly cutting a swath to travel. It isn’t so much where it leads in the moment, just that I keep moving forward with purpose. I’ve begun to wonder if the path is actually beneath me after all, and the hardship and uncertainty of the undefined trek is intended. Either way, I’m up for the task.

Quicksand

I haven’t seen the path now in quite a while. For most of the past week, I’ve been mired in quicksand, but I luckily was able to grab a branch and seemingly will survive. My priorities have become crystal clear (funny how adversity does that) but the challenge to consistently keep them in proper perspective remains. It’s inevitable something will have to give. Like the Old Man, I have to recognize my limitations. For the moment anyway, I’m content to catch my breath. I know I’ll figure out the right balance but first I have to listen better. I’m reminded that the journey is not based on how much I think I know, but rather on my application of God’s truth on the course of daily living.

Anger

Some of the old me made a public appearance tonight. It's not something I'm proud of. Anger is a selfish emotion. It's quite often unproductive. I need to do better. I need to renew my resolve. I need to reinvigorate my patience. Where the heck did the path disappear to? I'm way deep in the woods again but somehow I've wandered far from the path I'm supposed to follow. I need guidance. Fortunately, I know where to get it.

Melancholy

I've been thinking a lot about my Dad lately. I'm not really sure why but I suspect it's because of the mounting instances in life that I would've ordinarily shared and discussed with him. I find myself thinking for a few seconds of how my Dad will react to something before I remember he's not with us anymore. I wonder if that happens to other people too?

I'm sad when it happens but I'm glad I remember him by the things we once shared in common. I suppose it's normal. His birthday is Tuesday.

Life Analogy

A friend of mine emailed me a story worth reading. Unfortunately, I don't know the author so I can't attribute proper credit. I hope you take a moment to read it through too, but more importantly, take the lesson of the story to heart.

Mayonnaise Jar & Two Beers...

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in frontof him.When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed...

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.' The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.

LIFE ISN'T ABOUT WAITING FOR THE STORM TO PASS... ...IT'S LEARNING HOW TO DANCE IN THE RAIN!

Advice

I wrote about progress elsewhere today and found this quote by President Barack Obama that seemed appropriate to the theme of this blog.

"If you’re walking down the right path and you’re willing to keep walking, eventually you’ll make progress."