I have learned, never take a day for granted. My dad used to say “the world is your oyster”. There are plenty of pearls I suppose out there. But it all starts with a grain of sand.
Microscopic view of sand on the beach
Our lives have to mean something while we are here on earth. The one grain of truth can be shared to make a beautiful thing or can ignite hate and fear. One simple thought can generate the grace of the spirit or it could be something that contributes to the darkness of wasted time and an energy that leads nowhere.
So we have a choice, to make the best of each day whether it starts with the smallest things or is full of events that make up your life. Staying at home behind your doors and drowning in the circumstance of life can waste away the gift of the time we have and wear away at the spirit of our being.
So whatever life we have left ( a minute, a day, a year, many years?) is ours to do with what we want. Choose grace. Choose to let each grain of sand become a pearl that will last much longer than you will be allowed. It is what matters most I think. Of course that depends on your perspective.
I had someone ask me the other day why I call my WordPress blog “Tracks in the Dust”.
We all know that we are human and only here on this Earth for a precious small amount of time in the scheme of things. Some of us shorter than others, we have a bit of time to enjoy life, cherish it. pass on the wisdom and faith to the others coming behind us.
Eventual we all will have to count on what we have done while we were here on this planet to leave our impressions on the lives and souls of others. Some of them we may not ever realize we had done anything, but that small thing- that action of “grace” may last forever and move forward in someone else’s life. Eternity will let us know someday.
Still some of what we are doing will be simply “tracks in the dust”. Leaving an impression that the wind of time will blow away.
That is what made this song by David Crosby ( of Crosby, Stills and Nash) such a special one for me. Why my blog is named what it is. All that “hippie” hopefulness seems to wane with age. But it is still there as we passing through here kind of fast.
Tracks in the Dust
Four of us were having dinner
And I threw down the paper with a curse
And my wife said, “Complaining doesn’t get it
You got to do something or you can bet it
Will get worse”
And my friend said, “You’ve been watching TV too much
And all that hippie hopefulness is just a crutch”
But if thinkin’ that way helps you
To make it through the night
Then who am I to say what’s wrong and right
But I think, we’re passing through here kind of fast
Did you think these tracks in the dust would last
I think, we’re passing through here kind of fast
Did you think these tracks in the dust would last?
So you think we should just sit here
And have another glass of wine
While the world goes to hell
Which you know damn well
It’s going to do just down the line
And his lady said, “I don’t know how can you be so sure
I mean some things seem to get better
You know the hero still saves the
Damsel in distress, the villain doesn’t get her
And I said, “Where have you been living
I mean they’re selling death in the streets”
Cheap and the lying politicians
Are rolling in the profits they reap.
And he said, “He’s right honey
But I think it’s always been that way”
And he smiled kind of patiently
And I knew he was going to say
I think, we’re passing through here kind of fast
Did you think these tracks in the dust would last
I think, we’re passing through here kind of fast
Did you think these tracks in the dust would last
We all get them… There are a lot of mixed messages in today’s’ world.
A lot of it is the fact that we live in the “information age” I think. It happens all around us. No matter what we see or hear, there seems to be a question of reality. We read news, we track social networks, we watch media provide up to the minute real-time events in our living room.
What we see can sometime contradict what we believe is true, and still we may tend to deny what our eyes are seeing.There are other times we see or read something, that won’t validate what we want to believe so we will dismiss it. It contradicts our beliefs and then we are not going to accept the evidence.
There are a lot of people who outwardly say sincerely that they care about people and causes. But their actions contradict that. They follow their religious or personal philosophies, but only when it fits in their lives. Like the message of LOVE and the practice of HATE. They may be saying that people “in need” should be helped, but shouldn’t help them in any way even if they are provided many opportunities. I guess almost all of us need to work harder all the time to focus on people in-need.
It is easy to say and do things that don’t make sense to everything else in our lives. It can be the principle of the moment and long-term it doesn’t play out. But there are many times I think I need to stop and review what is “in-coming” in my life and make sure I am convicted to the “outcome” – and not contradict myself. Does that happen in your life, too?
Meaning. A big word that means a lot. People are looking for meaning in life, and wanting meaning in what they do. I know it is important to me, and it seem to be that every one is seeking it.
Maybe it is a meaning for the job? After getting paid, it would be nice to know that you are a contributor, that you make a difference in the job, that you get recognized for the work you have done.
Maybe it is understanding “why” – defining the meaning to injustice in our lives and the world around us, the unfair things that happen to others, to you. Understanding why people are violently hurting each other, hating each other, making life miserable for others.
It could be the ultimate “meaning of life“- looking for the spiritual center. Are we really only on earth for such a short time only to have it all end? Is there something more? What are we supposed to do while we are here on earth? (that is a topic for another day, but it is clear then that eternity matters most).
People want meaning in their lives too. So many want to mean something to someone. To the ones they love, to their family and friends. They want to be significant in their lives.
There is the gallant goal of doing something meaningful (good or bad) in life. Showing mankind that you have something more to give can make for a lifelong task. Sometimes achieved, sometimes never reached. Not all the heavy stuff of Kant’s enlightenment or something. Just searching.
So in the end- what is that driving meaning in your life? Can you reach for it? Is it elusive or in-reach? Are you always looking elsewhere and not right in front of you? It can be so simple I think, yet so difficult to find. It can be a daily driving force. A preoccupation that can consume us. It can find us somewhere in a “hollow” place, It can be infinitely rewarding.
Here’s my take on it: Look for it in the closest places. In your heart not your mind, in the eyes of others, in the places that provide peace in your life. Look for it in God, look for it in the air you breathe. Breathe in. The meaning is there.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1, verses 19-20.
I will admit, I have been angry often in my life. Things just don’t go as you think it should. You see things that seem unjust, unfair, evil or wrong and you get mad.
There are always going to be things beyond your control, but you can always control your anger. It can sap you of energy, sway you from your real mission. It can wrap itself in frustration and confusion, and leave others in its wake. Anger can blind you from what is really important, and preoccupy your valuable and constructive time doing other things.
It is interesting how sometimes when you are angry, where you may end up direct the anger. Blaming others, sometimes lashing out toward the people you love the most. Anger can fuel more anger, in others around you. Even in people who really don’t know you.
So i am much more aware of it now. Understanding that there are circumstances that are simply beyond your control. Not saying to give up on things, but there are battles to choose, and efforts worthwhile. Quick to listen as the verse says, it very wise as well. So much anger seems spontaneous and often can be misunderstanding, not knowing the complete picture. So patience and slow to be angry. Got it.
Related post from Dave is worth reading and I am sharing.
Tracks In The Dust 