It’s almost impossible to believe that it has been almost three years since I exited my crate and took my place as the Queen of the Casa del Whackos. I have settled into a comfortable place in my life, but I fear comfort as much as I fear discomfort, for it is in times of stress that have also been my greatest times of growth.
Only in moments of extreme fatigue do I catch a glimpse of that ragged scarecrow of a dog, but at the same time, it’s also getting more difficult to see that idealistic young dog with the insane drive to “DO SOMETHING!, anything, to make amends for time wasted in the crate.
As I approach middle age(for a dog), I find that happiness is not an object to be pursued like a stick thrown by dad, always in a mad rush to ensure that Ajax doesn’t get to it first. Neither is happiness a feeling to be found on top of the mountains and hoarded against the day it might not be so easily found while in the valley.
Maybe the purpose in life is to not strive to be happy at all. Just maybe, it is to be useful, to always be available, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. What if in only in the service to others can true happiness be found?
I hope you’ll remember Jesus on the hillside,feeding the multitude; not because He was seeking influence and not because it was in His job description—but because they were hungry and He wasn’t okay with that.
Zig Ziglar once said, “you can have everything you want in life, if you first make sure that others get what they want”, but I think that it all comes down to what motivates you; would you rather make an impact or an income?
I want to make an impact.
And the time is now. My whole life has somehow pointed me towards this moment. I found the following passage, author unknown, on dad’s phone this morning:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won’t feel insecure around you”.
Now is my time, as it is yours, to arise and shake myself; on one paw, 01/01/18 is just another day on the calendar, but on the other, every day, every minute, for that matter, is a new chance to restoke that fire. Live every moment for others, service every need as it arises, and you will find your ministry.
And your happiness.
Thus sayeth the Charles.
