As we look outside our windows, this has been a tough summer for many of us. Intense heat, earthquake
s, hurricanes and more flooding! We have all had to find ways to stay cool, dry and safe. It makes us want to throw our hands up and scream to the weather gods “Enough is enough already!”
The results of nature (let alone our economy) have left countless people suffering the loss of loved ones, their homes and other property, their jobs, their sense of safety, and so many untold stories of grief and despair. Enough is enough!
A couple of weekends ago we all remembered the events of 9-11-01. For me, I was standing in a circle of good friends recounting where we all were and what we were doing that morning 10 years ago. I couldn’t help but feel an intense sense of gratitude for the opportunity to still be alive, and to be loved by these friends.
Life feels good sometimes. Life is tough sometimes! Life is confusing and messy sometimes. It’s easy to forget though that life is LIFE, not death. Though it may not feel like it, life is living, and does not have to be deadening.
I wonder why I often believe that life should be better than it is. No one said that my life would be easy, or simple or clean. People and/or organizations have often tossed bones of empty promises of fulfillment, abundance, safety, love and more. After years of growing up, I’ve learned that the more I chewed on that bone, the more I realized how much my teeth and gums hurt! In other words, I put too much hope in finding easy answers to difficult life questions, only to find the same emptiness again.
For many of us, it takes deep struggles, pain, losses or heartaches to see life in a different and healthy way. When we face blood and guts (ours or someone else’s), it often opens us up to realize how small we really are this earth. If we don’t see it, we often grow old embittered and lonely. Our small-ness of humility, however, is the embryonic point to grow up and find significance—find life. Yes, life is still messy and confusing and difficult at times. But life is not have to be deadening. It’s pulsating with newness and challenge and adventure! If we keep saying Enough is Enough, without seeing that enough IS enough, we miss the whole point of life.
I challenge you to not be surprised by your “struggles,” but instead look deeply and honestly at who you are and who you what to be in this world.
I would welcome the opportunity to support you on your journey. Call or email me anytime at 301-552-6688 or KevinBarwick@Anew-Place.com.
