"Fear not that your life will come to an end but that it will never have a beginning." (J H Newman)
I've been reading John Maxwell's The Difference Maker and this morning the chapter was on fear. We can become so crippled by fear that it causes us to do nothing. I have seen many people come and go in this business simply out of fear to act. I've had several people wonder how I can earn trips & do the things I do and it is simply because I have chosen to move through my fear & not let it dictate my actions. Not always easy, but absolutely neccessary & it seems to be paying offf! There's a great story in this chapter that I wanted to share. It's somewhat familiar, but timely:
We get on board that train at birth, and we want to cross the continent because we have in mind that somewhere out there is a station. We pass by sleepy little towns looking out the window of life's train, grain fields and silos, level grade crossings, buses full of people on the roads beside us. We pass by cities and factories, but we don't look at any of it because we want to get to the station. We believe that out there is a station where a band is playing and banners are hung and flags are waving and when we get there that will be life's destination. We don't really get to know anybody on the train. We pace up and down the aisles looking at our watches eager to get to the station because we know that life has a station for us.
This station changes for us during life. To begin with, for most of us, it's turning 18, getting out of high school. Then the station is that first promotion and then the station becomes getting the kids out of college and then the station becomes retirement and then...all too late we recognize the truth - that this side of that city whose builder is God, there really isn't a station. The joy is in the journey and the journey is the joy.
Sooner or later, you realize that there is no station and the truth of life is the trip. Read a book, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, hug a child, go fishing, laugh more. The station will come soon enough. And as you go, find a way to make this world more beautiful. (Barbara Bush)
Well, I'm off to the store now to get some Ben & Jerry's...don't want to miss out!
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Hi Cindi, thanks for sharing your blog musings! While I inwardly smile at Ms. Bush being the bearing of the aforementioned deep thoughts :), I had a solid mental picture of my good friend Michele - a precious being of a woman who gracefully navigates life with joy and exuberance. She has been a mentor and constant example to me in this way. Last summer, for example, we joined her in her latest venture at her church - leading a "spiritual dance" session once a week - even Ella and Naomi LOVED it and got right into the movement. Michele is just so NOT DAUNTED by the fear that I know would get the attention of so many others (like me!!). And of course, BRAVA! to you Cindi for your accomplishments. You are one of the first to come to mind when I think on people I know who have vision (and follow it). Thanks!
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