Some days I feel like I have a good grasp on this journey, this life. It’s not an everyday thing by any means, but there are days when I feel like I’m headed in the right direction, down the right path–in raising my family, educating them, taking care of things around the house, and in figuring out what I’m going to be when I grow up.
And then there are all the other days, where I count myself lucky if the littles are fed, the math is mostly done, the dog doesn’t have an accident indoors, and the house is still standing. Even if we have to get creative on clothing choices because the laundry needs doing, I call it a win and move on.
Oh so many days like that.
It seems like everyone else has it all together sometimes, you know? My Daddy used to say, “You compare, you lose,” and I know he’s right, but sometimes it’s hard not to. You all look like things are trucking along just fine for you.
And then there’s me and the cacophony of ideas and thoughts and emotions running through my heart, mind, and soul.
So not together.
I picked up a book to read about men who changed the world. I am interested to see who their examples are, as this is a book for young people. Since I have been concerned, wanting to be sure I’m sharing good stories and role models with Cooter like I do with our Princess, I did some searching and found this particular book.
As I flipped through for a quick minute today, I came across this quote from Badshah Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a Muslim leader who led the world’s largest nonviolent force–100,000 people–for social reform in his country.
http://www.amazon.com/Akira-Zoltan-Twenty-six-Changed-World/dp/1570915806/ref=pd_sim_b_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=1W3CXFY2R8FTYB8C2KTB
“No true effort is in vain. Look at the fields over there. The grain sown therein has to remain
in the earth for a certain time, then it sprouts, and in due time yields hundreds of its kind.
The same is the case with every effort in a good cause.”
–Badshah Abdul Ghaffar Khan (1890-1988)
Oh these words. How they touched me–had my soul doing an about-face. Picking myself up, dusting my britches off, and saying, Okay, maybe I can do this.
One more reminder that things won’t necessarily happen in my time, according to my “script.” One more reminder that things won’t always be this way. One more reminder to take a chill pill and be where I am, who I am. Making true efforts for a good cause.
Tonight I am thankful for the words of others that I write on my heart. The ones that others say, I don’t suppose I will always know the why of their words, but I do know what they do for me. I wish I could have words like these and others that touch my being painted all over the walls and mirrors of my house. Where I could see them and be reminded–keep up the good efforts. Keep planting. You may not see the harvest right away, if ever, but it’s there. So much going on within, even though we can’t see it. Growing under the ground…..growing strong and one day will yield “hundreds of its kind.”
What a beautiful picture that paints for me.
Y’all, let’s go out and sow some good stuff. What does that look like? I’m not sure. How about we start with smiling at someone who looks like they could use it? Take the time to text or call or email a friend with a meaningful, truthful message about how they are loved. Or with a joke that you know they’ll love. Even greater things will come from it one day–maybe not on our timeline, not when we had planned, but one day greater things will come because of it. And until then, we just keep making those true efforts in a good cause, even if that means sitting quietly. And waiting. *sigh* Did someone ask for patience?
Love and best wishes to all.
I Might Need A Nap 