The recent past has been filled with schedules, activities, and appointments. As much as I would like to think many paths could have been walked, in hindsight, everything went according to the way it needed to.
Deadlines were met. Deliverables were achieved. Dates were kept.
I did not think that it would work that way. I was sure that something would get in the way! There were too many competing goals. I believed I was fighting against time. Yet, somehow, someway, things worked.
I find myself wondering about the schedule in the days to come. The obstacles seem overwhelming. The challenges are greater than my ability to solve. Time still is not working in my favor. I know that there are things that I will not achieve. I find myself wondering why I should try.
My reflection reminds me that my challenges are far from unique. Individuals across the ages have struggled with situations that are far more complex than what I am facing. Their approach follows the unplanned way life unfolded for me.
First, they dealt with the hand that was given them. Life is meant for living. When demands were overwhelming, “about eight or ten days later, Festus returned to Caesarea. The next morning he took his place in the courtroom and had Paul brought in.” (Acts 25.6) Accepting the present is a way of embracing freedom.
Second, they believed they held an opportunity to make a difference. Freedom always includes the option of making a difference. In not knowing, we can reach out. In not understanding, we can try. In not being certain, we can strive to make the present better.
Third, life never comes with guarantees. We may think we have everything figured out; life likes to surprise us. We may think we know our options; life always offers more. We may believe; life is often full of doubts.
Our path is our life. Freedom does not come with goals. Life offers each the freedom to be more. Freedom does not protect us from adversity. Life invites us to walk with others.
