Recent events remind me that life happens with steps. One can metaphorically try to run, skip, or hop. However, this style of living is never sustainable. Living in the present requires one’s full attention. I know this, yet I keep trying to get ahead so I can accomplish what is important. I am not alone. In response to the challenges at hand, our communities seem intent on ignoring the lessons of yesterday. We want to jump to our goal, skipping the work that must be done to repair the damage from years of neglect.
Fortunately, those before us look at life with a different perspective. Roles were understood. Working for the common good was an aspiration shared by many. Sacrifice was accepted as a natural part of life.
I find the comments of one that embraced this approach helpful. “The One you've been waiting for all these years is just around the corner, about to appear. And I'm about to disappear.” (Acts 13.25) He knew that he was just a messenger. He understood that in order for another to succeed that he would need to move on. In hindsight, I think he understood the sacrifice that was going to be required.
As I look at the challenges faced by our communities and in my personal life, I see that there are guides to each step that I choose to take.
Taking a decision is always better if one is a student of history. Life is very willing to teach anyone willing to listen. One can learn from experience. One can see more clearly if one understand where one has come from. One can approach the present aware of the context of the opportunity.
Exercising one’s freedom is at the heart of living. One must execute. Life does not occur when one watches, evaluates, and analyzes, even though these are important to making good decision. One must act.
Life is never about yesterday or tomorrow. One must see the past and anticipate the future while being fully in the now. Life occurs when we take a step.
