RITES OF PASSAGE

This time of the year brings 

to all the high school and college graduates.  I found myself congratulating the grandchildren and children of my peers as they walk across the stage and receive that piece of parchment (I think I might have actually gotten a sheep skin).  It is a rite of passage---the successful completion of your education.  Why there are even the children of old neighbors being hooded this coming week.


She has achieved the ultimate degree in her chosen field and from now on I will address her as Dr. Macy.  What an accomplishment for her--and now her life begins.

That is the way we live our lives--in segments of "When I finish this".  I still remember the thrill of completing high school.  Then the goal was college--check.  Then if I can just pass my CPA--check.  Of course, I need to open my own practice--check.    If I can finish the forty hours of continuing education each year--check.

The same thing with our relationships and families.  If I can only find the right spouse---check.  If we can just have 2 children---check.  If we can just get those children through school---check.  If we can just get them married to the right person---check.  If we can just have grandchildren---check.  

I have a tendency to live from check mark to check mark.  And the day finally comes when you are retired and most of the check marks are behind you.  And then what?  We make a bucket list.


Things we want to see and do before---

Somehow we have made life a list of things to accomplish instead of living in the day.  As I sat on my front porch with my neighbor and her daughter today, I cherished the sweetness of the moment.  In the simplicity was joy.  No need to plan and plot the next thing---only the sheer happiness of a child squirting a water gun and laughing with unbridled glee at being wet from top to bottom.  As my swing creaked as I slowly swung back and forth, and we chatted about nothing special--I was reminded--to live in the moment and cherish the present.

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.
James 4:14

4 comments

  1. What a true and sad post today, Lulu. You're so right. We do tend to live from one check mark to another. Somehow modern life has created that in us. The herd instinct, I suppose. Keeping up with the Joneses, or whoever we want to keep up with. We compare ourselves with other people and see who reached a certain check mark first; or better.

    From now on I'll just compare myself with myself. Not other people. If others want to compare themselves with me then they'll be just as confused as I am. If they want to emulate me or follow my example then it will make two (or more) of us who are just as confused about modern life. Why is it, for instance, that the toaster always burns the toast? Why can't they make a toaster without the "burn to a charcoal" setting? And why is it when you buy one of those nice apple pies from my favourite burger bar, the apple or cherry filling inside is always as hot as the centre of the sun? It's like buying a lava filled pie. And why does the telephone always ring when I am in the shower? Do people know I'm in the shower and they phone me at that precise time? Are they spying on me? Modern life is confusing.

    God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My first laugh today, Victor-Thank You!!!
      Blessings !

      Delete
  2. Oh oh...I so agree with Victor...I am at that point in my life, of deciding the future at the ripe old age of 49. Funny thing is, aren't our children suppose to go off to school/college and not the mom? I think, my son doesn't find that point amusing, lol. ANYWAYS--thank you for such a moving post, Lulu...Blessings

    ReplyDelete
  3. You are MY HERO, My Friend! I am thinking over my next chapter and looking for direction as noted in tomorrow's post!
    Blessings, Dear Friend!

    ReplyDelete

Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!