In his 1903 production, 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 the many failed attempts of those who seek change are wasted energy.

The easy path is always crowded and its travelers never lonely in their quests 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 things passed from the past and understand current conditions if we are 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 on the road less traveled is assumed to be disoriented and all wanderers lost.  However, it may be that they are simply looking for something different. Those who settled the West in the early days of American history were the ones with no enduring possessions in the East.  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 risk-takers that are the game-changers. In truth, there’s not much difference between heroes and goats.  Good ideas and virtuous deeds may be unrealized and unrewarded. Some things are worth a try- pan or not.

Swing for the bleachers.  I’m not saying load up on every occasion (there is wisdom in pacing), but give it a go.  Don’t die with your music inside. Dance your heart out. Live while you’re alive. The people I failed to impress were mostly not worth it, and don’t you allow others to stymie your actualization.  Allow yourself to live…and breathe.

A few words of caution are in order.  You have no right to live any other way than that God ordained for you, and you must be obedient to Him in all things.  In addition, all acts must be performed lovingly toward others. These twin pillars 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 are realized, gems mined or golden depths plunged without significant risk and heartbreaking effort.  You are up to the task. I am one of those who believe God has a plan for every life. The parameters are His Word and the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Most valuable resources in the earth are untapped.  This is true of talent worldwide, and it is the same with you.  Current supplies are exhausted. It’s time for new ventures.

Sterl