Reality Check

It will never happen to me...what happened to the girl down the street, to the guy on the news, to that girl on the TV show; that sort of stuff never really happens anyway...and then it does. I cannot explain the feeling it gave me, an inability to help in any way, an uncertainty as to how to proceed. Truly we realize in these moments that this world is not of our Lord, Thomas a Kempis had even reminded me that morning in my daily devotional, but I did not take heed until the phone call came later on that morning. Now I do not know what to do, but again, as I am constantly reminded, it is more often who we are to one another rather than what we do. I am saddened that such a profound truth was rammed home by such a profound tragedy, but alas, we are not of this world, and with every step we take in it, that is one more closer to our true home.

The Harvest

Life here seems simple at first blush. The trees, the corn, the gravel roads; the stars at night all make you think deeply about the creation of the world and our connection to it. Everything here seems to live in harmony; man working with nature to provide for his livelihood. Only that in truth he has to work a second job during the day, or work endless hours employing at least a dozen workers to provide enough of the golden crop to possibly cover the expense of producing it. Yet when one does not think about such things, life remains simple. Maybe this is why so many people in the world hesitate to take any level of responsibility, for who in their right mind wants more headaches? Then again, these headaches are what make life worth living. For where is the ecstasy in a moment of pure silence and solitude if it is not offset first by a day filled with noise and distraction? Life is an endless pairing of opposites, and we are often spurred to hate one or the other of the extremes, in order that we draw nearer to the other. This is the work of the one who would undermine us. For to avoid responsibility is a negative, as well as to be overbearing in one's responsibilities, hence we must find the balance; and it is in this balance that peace is possible in this life on this earth.

I am grateful to Kyle and his family, as well as to the Wessels' farm operation for this incredible opportunity to experience the fruits of this world as I never have fully before. Would that we all would take any opportunity to draw nearer to the natural world, which ever so subtly always draws us back to our Creator. God bless and keep you all as fellow members of His creation.

Uncertainty

I'm reading a book that says we can only achieve true success and a true rhythm in our lives by confronting our weaknesses. Should we focus only on our strengths we will not overcome adversity and hence will add no further dimensions to our person. Some of the most interesting people I know have never settled, but instead continue searching until they find contentment in that particular area of their lives. By this time though they have discovered dozens of other ways in which they can continue to grow. Thus by this simple principle of trying new things; picking up the guitar that has forever frustrated our efforts, running seriously again after years of putting it off, calling up old friends and always seeking out new relationships our lives stay vigorous, and our personalities full of life and give life as well! I like best Ralph Waldo Emerson's advice for success:

"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - this is to have succeeded."

However, this quote on its own leaves unanswered the question of how to find the energy for all these achievements. We of course cannot draw from an empty well, and I used to think that we had to draw on one another; this is true, but is our Lord and Savior who supplies the energy to those in our lives, and hence we can also draw from Him directly, through prayer, contemplation, and love. More profound still, we cannot realize the true love that He has for us until we believe that we are capable of being loved by Him. We must first understand ourselves and love ourselves, and only then can we truly and deeply love God and one another.

We will never find perfect success in this life, but for this imperfect existence I think we can measure our success by how closely Emerson's quote fits our lives. Some of us may be stronger in realizing certain parts than others, but this matters little as long as we hear the silent voice within us, and at the end of the day can sit alone in silence, with a clear mind and an open heart. This proves an achievable goal, and if realized by us all, would lead to a world the likes of which we have only experienced in the deepest and wildest of our dreams.

May peace and love reign in all of our hearts. God bless you, and peace be with you.