Sling Shot

Yesterday was no ordinary day but a very perceptible, almost abrupt awareness that something had definitely changed, that a veil of some sort had been lifted.  I'm unsure what the catalyst was (if any) and why it came on just now, a realization striking rather quickly like the blade of a well-honed knife slicing effortlessly through a piece of material.

That something was my coming to grips with my own mortality.

When we are ushered into this world we tend to forget that this initiation, this first step, is the beginning of an ultimate finality.

We are loved and nurtured by our parents as we grow through infancy into adolescence and, ultimately, adulthood.  Growing up we harbor happy memories of birthday parties and good times, close friends, swimming classes, ballet and baseball.  We then find our soul mate and continue our journey.  But do we give any thought during this time to growing older?   I dare say, not.

 ~Infancy, Adolescence, Adulthood~  

Life throws many challenges at us whether it be coming home from war disabled and having to cope with a whole new set of circumstances, mustering the strength to overcome and keep going.   Or a newly divorced parent who is thrust into the role of being the sole provider and caregiver for his or her children.  Or learning how to be more flexible with your finances as you've just lost your job.  If I were to offer some advice and guidance on how to cope with Life it would be this:    

We aren't branded at birth as to who we will become as our destiny is all up to us.

Do not be afraid of difficulty for through difficulties we find the resolve to overcome, emerging stronger and with a new purpose, a new sense of direction.

Embrace Life and welcome its challenges for through these circumstances we are able to grow, finding out who and what we are truly made of. 

You are much stronger than you think you are.

When in doubt, pray.