Life's Signs & Ruts

"Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you're riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality..." - Bob Marley

The Challenge of Sorting

At first when you look at the picture, you see dark horses - but when looking closely, you see the real objects. It's that way in life too, and thereby makes sorting out the real from the illusory one of life's greatest challenges. How often is there a disconnect between our perceptions and the underlying reality? Things are not always as they first seem. At first we see the zebras' shadows as prominent, and the zebras themselves as minute. However when the light fades and night comes, the only things remaining are the zebras. The shadows are gone.

What am I trying to say? Well, seeking what seems good can be bad for us, and accepting what seems bad can actually be good. We can't allow ourselves to be drawn to the shadows that fill our lives. We must have confidence and seek out the "zebras". We must believe that the Lord is working on our behalf at all times, even when it doesn't seem that way.

The Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier expresses my thought for this day.

I asked God for strength that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for help, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Dreams Are More Than Fairy Castles

DREAMS - Ah the beauty of them. As a child, I dreamt of fairy castles, with halls of happiness and galleries of laughter. In my mind, PERFECTION was to be everywhere; however, life (also know as REALITY) had something else in mind.

Unfortunately, life doesn’t allow us to quill one joyous occasion after another. How wonderful it would be to float on puffy clouds, a glass of ice-cold lemonade in hand, while sailing high above every one of life’s cares. Or enjoying a sumptuous feast prepared expressly for our taste buds, with no gratuity imposed, dishes to do, or portions classified as fattening – or obtaining a college degree without cracking a book, attending a class or taking a test. Dreams? Certainly they are! And dreams should be a part of our reality.

Reality has boundaries and limitations. It places barricades across the streets we wish to travel, and its detours seemingly going nowhere. Barricades and detours always seem to be situated where we experience despair, heartache, and pain. And when we hurt it is only natural to start dreaming - dreaming of a better day, a better job, a better place, better health, better financial support, and the list goes on. Why do we dream so often in adversity? Because we were originally the creation of perfection, and the Garden of Eden, via Adam, Eve and the consumption of the forbidden fruit voided any chance for earthly perfection - so we must dream of it. Here’s my written assessment of dreams.

Dreams are liberties freeing the extremities of constraint,
allowing us to perceive tomorrow as a better day.
Our concerns and pressures lost in the murmur of bliss.

Dreams are wings commissioning flights into sincerity,
issuing tickets to destinations of wondrous beauty.
Bravery gallantly soaring above our daily cares.

Dreams are passages merging the present with the past,
dismissing any acknowledgment of what is and what is not.
Reality mixing life's ingredients so as to satisfy our yearnings.

Dreams are gifts wrapped in magnificent papers,
showing off vibrant swirling patterns, with tags of gold.
Excitement stands in awe, making each package exceptional.

Dreams are visions perceived through eyes of faith,
revealing the fortitude and strength of one's character.
Allowing mankind the opportunity to touch the hem of Perfection.

Yes, dreams can be wonderful; that is, if God is in them. Today, I dream of a great in-gathering of souls, unity in purpose and spirit, streets of gold, gates of pearl, my name written in the Book of Life (and my dreams go on and on). Please dream with me, for someday in so doing, we will genuinely know perfection - and PERFECTION will preserve us forever.