When I was younger and dreaming of personal glory, I took for granted that the people I loved would enjoy good health and that I would have TIME to enjoy and DO a variety of things on this planet, and then my Dad died of cancer at 56. I was 22.
Reality means choosing between a nicer car or providing a home for a sick family member. Reality is watching my son work to afford community college and learning to value what he is paying for rather than being able to give him an education. Reality is the reward of my children honoring the choices I have made and the person I have become. I know there is some country western song out there, thanking God for unanswered prayer.
I am living that. I answer the phone at a flooring company. When my kids are sick, I go home and the world doesn't end. Five years ago, I was the director of a children's mission that was the Federal Summer Food Service program sponsor in two counties. If I didn't show up, kids went hungry. I find that I like being replaceable.
At my high school graduation we sang the Desiderata, it seemed flaky then, profound now:
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.,
As far as possible without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.,
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;,
and listen to others,,
even the dull and the ignorant;,
they too have their story. ,
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,,
they are vexations to the spirit.,
If you compare yourself with others,,
you may become vain and bitter;,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.,
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
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Wow thanks to all of you for opening up like you did. I really enjoyed some of your comments. Looks like some of us are just where we want to be, some are not and some are still looking. Isn't that what makes life interesting...you just never know what comes next.