Against the Wind
In his 1903 play, Man and Superman, George Bernard Shaw wrote, “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” It’s easy to accept the status quo and call it wisdom. It is, likewise, easy to say that the many failed attempts of those who seek to change things are wasted energy. The easy path is always crowded and its travelers never lonely in their quest for mediocrity. Then again, there is not much thrilling or breath-taking in the middle of the pack. Those who seek the safety of the herd should remember the old saw “nothing ventured- nothing gained.”
I respect, no revere, sound traditions of the elders. Precepts must be proved before they make their way into the common arena of common sense. But the world does not stand still and no generation has sole possession of all wit. So, grudgingly or not, we must forge the future or be left on the ash heap of history (to coin a painfully common phrase). We must examine those things handed down to us and understand the conditions of the world in which we live if we are to be able to thrive amidst the chaos. And chaos it is. Society is profoundly different from the days of my youth. God has not changed, but everybody else has. Today’s warfare demands new weapons and updated applications of old truths.
Everyone who takes the road less traveled is assumed to be disoriented and all wanderers lost. However, it may be that they are just looking for something different. Those who settled the west in the early days of American history were the ones with no enduring possessions on the east coast. Owners of fine houses and fertile lands stayed put. That’s the way in all of life. We are risk-averse. In general, that’s not a bad policy, but it is the risk-takers that are the game- changers. In truth, there’s not much difference in the game between the heroes and the goats, and, often, good ideas and virtuous deeds are unrealized and unrewarded. Some things are worth a try- pan out or not.
Swing for the bleachers. I’m not saying load up for every occasion because there is wisdom in pacing yourself, but give it a go. Don’t die with your music inside you. Dance like no one’s looking. The people I have tried to impress were mostly not worth it, and don’t you allow others to stymie your self-actualization. Allow yourself to live…and breathe. But a few words of caution are in order. You have no right to live any other way than the way that God has ordained for you, and you must be obedient to Him in all things. In addition, everything you do must be done lovingly toward others. These twin pillars will undergird and give authority to the actions and beliefs of the man or woman living freely under God.
Speaking of freedom, we never get over our raising. While we all retain (and should retain) something of our upbringing, we are all original works of God. Don’t allow yourself to be less, even though it may be more comfortable and inviting to swim with the school. No new discoveries will be realized, no gems mined or golden depths plunged without significant risk and heart-breaking effort. You are up to the task. I am one of those who believe in God’s individual plan for every life. The parameters are His Word and the influence of the Holy Spirit within. Most of the precious metals and oil in the earth are untapped. Current supplies are exhausted. It’s time for a new venture.
Sterl
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