The Community Word

Life doesn’t come with a book of directions, and such a reality gives many people reason to celebrate. They don’t like to read or follow directions, and who has time anyway, they ask. They’ll tell you they are too busy living life to read any directions. Many a mechanical mishap has occurred because of similar thinking.

Many people look to the Bible for instruction and inspiration, believing firmly that indeed God did give us a book of directions. But even those of great faith often concur that God “writes” in mysterious fashion. Personally, I believe that’s exactly God’s intention. We find different answers and sometimes it’s in the search that we learn the most.

Even those not so proficient in reading and comprehending directions, more than a few sentences baffle me, often wish there was a concrete way of knowing the best solution or the best decision to make. Alas, we’re kind of on our own. There are friends and family to help guide us, a plethora of books on many diverse subjects for resources, and one of my favorites, prayer, but basically we make decisions and then live with the consequences.

Hospital waiting rooms, especially those connected to intensive care units, are excellent places to consider life’s directions. When a loved one is critically ill and the outcome is grim, annoyances and concerns suddenly diminish. Someone cut you off in traffic on your way to the hospital? Just doesn’t seem so important when your loved one is struggling valiantly to stay alive.

People with life-threatening illnesses often say their decline in health is like a wake up call. We are great planners, often planning the next event before taking time to enjoy the present moment. Catastrophic illness makes each moment important and meaningful. We need to learn that lesson before our health is compromised.

Our nation currently faces an economic crisis, and regardless of who’s to blame or whether it’s politically motivated, we need to readjust our priorities. Bigger isn’t always better and living beyond our means takes its toll. When most details in our life continually refuse to fall into place, it’s time to assess whether we’re even headed in the right direction.

Living in the Midwest, particularly in the fall when nature explodes with vibrant colors, provides visual proof that life is continually changing. There are no guarantees of longevity, prosperity, or companionship. But we always have choices: we can wallow in the misery of our human condition or we can live in the moment, celebrating our blessings and sharing them with others. Yes, sadness does and will happen and circumstances are not always of our choosing. But life is to be lived fully, not anticipating tragedy, but keenly aware that life is fragile and tomorrow is never guaranteed.

So make time to visit an orchard and pick apples. Really look at the gorgeous shades of oranges and rusts in the trees. Sit outside and savor the warmth of the sun. Call a friend for no particular reason. Write someone a letter of appreciation. Spend quality time with someone who’s lonely. Make a habit of paying compliments, but always make sure they are genuine. Give thanks for today’s gifts.

Maybe we need to personally discover our own directions for life and put them into practice.