Most of us have seen or heard of the movie "The Butterfly Effect", based on the premise that it would be nice to go back in time and change certain things. However, actually doing so could have grave consequences on how things in are life can be effected, and the outcome can be worse than what we originally experienced. The part in this plot I thought to be the most interesting wasn't how it effected the outcome of the lead characters future, but how small changes in his past greatly changed the future of everybody else close to him in his life.
There is no doubt or surprise to how much life has taken a turn down a serious different interstate for me. This isn't exactly something you plan for, but not much that happens in our lives is planned for. It isn't so much what happens to us in our lives, but how we react to what happens that has the most meaning and power in our future experiences. There is no doubt there are several things I miss taking part in; just going for a run, going on foothill hikes, ridin my dirtbike just for starters Camping is a different experience I still enjoy but I'm adjusting to now in a more comfortable manner, not really "rough'in it any more. I would love to just jump up and be able to go to the bathroom real quick in the middle of the night when there is a need! And yet, because my life has been forced to change there are things I am able to see an experience in a different light. I have been forced to hand off more tasks and responsibilities at work, and because of that there are things I enjoy being part of that I wouldn't have taken the time to do before, like taking the time to pick my daughter up from school and hearing about the adventures of her day. Sometimes a forced slow down from the rat race can be a blessing if you look at it the right way, and listen to what life(or the Lord) is telling you.
Yeah....big changes.
Consider though remembering the nuisance's of the movie? I just described how it has changed my life, which is what tends to be right out in front and obvious. The real difficulty is the impact it has had on everybody else around me. How it will shape and impact Joie's life because of things we have gone through. My daughter has done a lot of growing up this year, ready or not. And like I touched upon before, how it has effected our staff in our office. It has been career changing for some, and I have seen growth and acceleration in others beyond all expectations. While they have done an outstanding job, its not a load they signed up for, but have accepted. Despite still being overwhelming and daunting at times.
Then there is my wife, who has had to step up and shoulder more responsibility than anybody. Who has had to muster more strength and courage than all others with no choice in the matter. Well, actually she didn't have to, she could have chosen not to, but she has. It has been harder than anybody has seen or can imagine on her. I thank God everyday he chose her to be my partner on this transition! As accepting as I have been of this life change there are still times I wish I could go back and change it for her and them more than anything.
Or do I? Maybe the alternate path taken could have turned out so much worse in ways I don't see or imagine. I have to remember that God has a plan, for all of us. I have to remember that the path we take or are forced onto isn't just for a reason(you know, everything happens for a reason), but a destiny. If we are wise and listen to his guidance along the detours we are delt, then that destiny will be filled with so many blessings.
Oh, and in your consideration for others you care for and the hardships they face... remember to care and be there for those around them whom equally face their own challenges.
No comments:
Post a Comment