Perhaps you feel that you didn't have a particular destiny. Maybe you think things are "fated" to be certain ways, and that you don't really have much to say about anything. If so, ask the voters in Minnesota...or Florida or Michigan, for that matter...a ridiculously small number of whom recently decided the "fate" of a new and old senator...and eight years ago a President of the United States who has taken the entire planet on a roller coaster ride the likes of which have not been experienced in modern history.
These are indeed "hard" times...but as Charles Dickens wrote in his classic A Tale of Two Cities, they are also the best of times. We have an opportunity now to gather our wits about us and find a purpose in life besides just getting through each day safely. We have a chance to "re-design" ourselves, our families, our homes, our government and our nation, and that takes only courage and openness to see things (and each other) for what they are. With every challenge, problem or adversity, there is opportunity for change, and a gift. That "gift" is new insight and the chance to back up enough to see the bigger picture. No matter what the adversity or abberation, there is always a balancing force in motion somewhere. Always.
Ask Nelson Mandela, Lee Ioccoca, Lance Armstrong, Stephen Hawking or hundreds of cancer survivors who have faced adversity way beyond anything most of us now face or will likely ever face, and they will tell you that there is always something for which to be thankful. Anyone exiting prisons with any degree of integrity left in them (which are many more than you might be willing to believe), will tell you of renewed faith, hope and promise that there was a reason for surviving the ordeal, and that was to come out and make a difference in the world...even if it's just in their own lives.
We have an opportunity now to go beyond the greatest achievements of the "Greatest Generation," who turned WWII into the greatest "boom" era in our history. We can learn from them and from all the adversity in the world now to individually and collectively tear down what doesn't work and build upon what does. In the end, all that really matters is our God-given human spirit that can overcome any adversity. To that end, I offer a quote from a high school literature class something that has haunted me to this day, from "Invictus," by William Henley: "We are the captains of our fates; the masters of our souls."
We all have a certain fate, but that fate is determined by our attitude and by the choices we make every day to do what we can to push through to something beyond the hurdles just in front of us. If we're willing to see the bigger picture, and work humanely and cooperatively toward making things better for all, we go beyond just a fate. We have a destiny that we mold and shape in the process. We become masters...of our destinies.
My theory of the universe is half and half. Half destiny/blessings/luck/chance and half choice/determination/character/willpower. Half the luck should go your way, but if you do not have most of your side of the equation focused and disciplined, you could lose half of that or more, (we all know people who are their own worst enemies, like people who smoke and then lament their "bad luck" at getting cancer). I believe prayer has some power to focus the universe, but most of us are raw amateurs at getting the universe to align just by prayer, though some yogis and saints seem to be able to to that, for most of us it is only a piece, albeit important, part of life.
ReplyDeleteThat all being said, what Don has done in his life and books is take those crappy poker hands, (some self dealt) and play them very very well, mainly by NOT focusing on himself. That is the interesting element in the universe, is the teamwork/cooperation/abundance/sharing side that seems to tilt the odds your way in unexpected bonus points kind of way. Whatever your luck, whatever your hand, how you play it, spiritually, emotionally, socially, seems to matter most, and yet it is a slow play most of the time, revealing in its wisdom only after years of play.
Our company for example, Music Wizard, is on the verge of (after 7 years) of being an "overnight sensation", but my background, the strange twisted path that got us this far, was far from planned, more like discovered, with an internal compass that seemed crazily to pursue true north for me when all externals seemed to counter that as right. Lots of work, prayer, were always in my cookbook, but only when I "got" the logic and beauty and necessity of cooperation did things start to "cook". That "looking outward" and helping others was where I think Don got his insight and blessings, and then the "universe" in the form of a D.A., turned that process around. Luckily for Don, he realized the true source of his "luck" not to mention peace of mind and direction, was his ability to take his problems out of the picture and focus on others.
Old news, as old as all the wisdom of the world, but still really cool when you start to figure it out and apply it. Consider myself an amateur still, but I think I have the elements to make a huge difference if I keep the faith, work like a sled dog, and find a way to make it good for everyone involved.
Finally, I think "God" or the universe, deals us a "problem card" every single day. Be it you forgot your wallet, stubbed your toe or found out you have cancer, you are going to get one of these "problems" every single day. So when I get a problem that my cash flow is cramped, or my car broke down, I just shrug, and say, "I'll take that problem". Just never want to get dealt that "dead child" card. Everything else is pretty much OK, and I am grateful for the small problems that I do get, each and every day.
Thanks
Chris
"I Wish"- I quite frankly think our political process is incredibly flawed. That said, I am thankful that there are people out there like Don Kirchner tirelessly telling a story our politicians need to hear and consider.
ReplyDeleteJust reading the title "Return to Honor" SHOULD interest them. Buy a copy and send it to your state reps.
-GH from Massillon, OH
To add to Chris' comment about the "dead child card", I really was impressed by an earlier thread entitled "The Cost of Freedom" in which Eric Clapton displayed unbelievable strength of character to be able to perform a song so emotionally earthshaking as "Tears in Heaven" in tribute to his 4 year old son's shocking death. Thanks for the story and thank you even more for the video of Eric's performance. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteDon,
ReplyDeleteI’ve watched your work for several years and am very grateful for what you’re doing as well as your persistence. There’s so much that needs improved in order for our ex-felons to return to honor effectively and quickly. Your work is VERY important and thank you for receiving this vision and taking action on it – persistently. Blessings,
Joyce M