What if the way forward in life were smooth, clear, and well marked? All the hard decisions made, someone older and wiser there to put their hand on your elbow and point you to the next sign so you never doubted if you were going the right way. Just sauntering onward in bliss, nary a care on our racing minds. Alas . . .
~ May 6, 2008 ~
“Today I dropped off a resume. Mainly did it at the behest of the same colleague who tipped me off before about an upcoming opening. This application wasn’t for that opportunity, but another, smaller one. I was told it would be a good stepping stone. I’ve heard only bad things about the place since I applied, from no less than four reputable people in the trade. Now you tell me! I’d still like an interview just for the experience, even though I’m 95% sure I’d turn the job down if offered.”
I took the job.
“On a good note, in conversations with some of these same folks, prominent in the field, I was tipped off about yet another opening nearby. One that seemed much more appealing and promising. This spot would be a much better place to be, and an even better stepping stone. My more experienced cohorts have the inside track on some restructuring that’s going on there. So they want me to call so and so and tell them so and so sent me their way. This hadn’t been on my radar, but it’s starting to feel like a lock, and I’m thankful for these connections. So here goes another resume. Can’t wait to see what comes of it.”
I never heard from them.
How many times in life have I thought I knew where things were headed, only to take a hard turn? How many times have I done my due diligence, spending hours and days planning, researching, and praying, only to end up with a wild result?
Yes, I got nowhere with the more prestigious position and took that job I was warned about out in the sticks. It wasn’t the hornets nest they said. I learned much in my time there working with salt of the earth folk (mostly), and when it came time to move on they sent me off with their blessing. I made many friends there whom I still see once in a while when I’m lucky.
We’ve got to be practical with our planning and budgeting and responsibilities and whatnot, true. But plans are not nearly as important as keeping an upright heart, whatever may come, wherever life takes us. I wonder if we wouldn’t be better off to loosen our grip, tighten our trust, and go with life’s flow like so much driftwood.
Lean not on your own understanding.
Write On,
Fellow Traveler
Many are raised with the expectation that the mysteries of life will be clearer as we age.
In my experience, only our values become more defined… the mysteries, however, remain.
Keep on the road Fellow Traveler – we are driftwood from the same root.
In these few lines you share many deep truths. Thank you, Poet. I know I’m not the only one who appreciates your insightful prose. We are indeed from the same root, and proudly so.