In today’s quote, Henry Miller claims everyone has a destiny. If it is true, that can be a scary proposition. If life isn’t going the way we hoped, if we are going through a tough time right now, we tend to believe that is our lot in life and to just accept it.
But should we? If our vision and values are misaligned with our current situation, should we just accept that’s the way things are?
Thirty-five years ago today, I came back from a college trip. A woman I was very interested in invited me over for pizza. When we parted ways that night, I said, “How about a hug?” The next thing you know, we had our first kiss.
Who would have known we would be together over three decades later? I sure didn’t! I just hoped she liked me. I was on cloud nine when I discovered the feeling was mutual.
We never know how the decisions we make today affect tomorrow. We can only guess, hope and pray they will turn out right. I’ve made some dumb decisions over the years. But when I took a chance and accepted the pizza invite, I am thankful that decision turned out the way it did.
Life is a winding road filled with decisions. Some should be carefully thought out. Others require a little spontaneity. Today in my devotions, I read how Esau made some bone-headed, decisions. At the age of twenty-one, I certainly had the capacity to make many rash decisions. Some I have forgotten. Others I wish I could.
But today, I celebrate one of the best decisions I ever could have made, and I remember a first kiss.
We are all sheep. No offense, but we are a bunch of little guys and gals that are grazing through uncharted meadows. We like to think we are in charge and could take control of any situation. But the last month shows we really have no idea where we’ve been, where we are and where we are going.
The next year is uncertain at best. But this is no time to panic and throw all things, including your hoarded bathroom tissue, out the window. Besides, have you ever seen a sheep stampede? It’s a little less impressive than a cattle stampede.
We may not know the destination and we may get a little sheepish about it. But we sheep can rely on the good shepherd. Yes, we can call on a higher power. It gives us hope. When things feel like they’re out of control, we can realize we never really did have as much control as we thought we did. A sheep with Google Maps is a dangerous thing. I’m letting the shepherd take control and take me in the right direction. There is hope and a good future.
Cartoon of of two children staring at a snowman. One says, “One month, you’re king of the mountain. The next month, you’re a puddle.”
Winter is quickly fading away around here. All the snow people have met a disastrous end thanks to some warm temps and little reinforcing snow. Seasons remind us that change is around the corner no matter how young or old you are.
It also reminds us there are cycles in life. If you don’t like the way things are going, wait and they’ll change. On the other hand, if you’re king of the mountain, don’t get too comfortable up there. Things are bound to change sooner or later!