Here in Charlotte it is rather icy today. It has been snowy/icy for the last few days. As a result of my irritation and antsy-ness of suffering from cabin fever I decided to walk to the grocery store (the grocery store is walking distance from my house). I suited up in my puffy jacket, warm hat, extra thick pants, furry boots and I was off. As soon as my foot hit the first patch of "snow" (it wasn't really snow but ice), I realized this was not going to be any normal walk. I slipped down the first few steps of my sidewalk, and thought to myself "surely this will get easier as I continue on." That most certainly was a lie. After 15 minutes of walking, slipping, sliding and stumbling I made it to the store...this walk normally takes at most 5 minutes. I found that walking slowly, cautiously and purposefully provided the best results in my attempt in conquering the snow and ice covered streets and sidewalks. As I walked around the store I kept thinking, "how in the world am I going to make it back home with groceries in tow???" But I was determined. After finishing my shopping, I gave myself the mother of all pep talks and headed back out. Once I began, the slipping, sliding, and stumbling ensued. I finally got somewhat of a stride, but just when I thought I had the hang of things, you've guessed it, BAM! I fell. One of my grocery bags emptied onto the icy sidewalk and I found myself scrambling to pick up my belongings before continuing on my journey. I couldn't help but laugh at myself as I continued to slip and slide home. Even with cautious steps I still had some bumps along the way...
When I got home and reflected on my adventure to the grocery store, I realized that life in general is much like walking to the grocery on ice glazed cement and asphalt. If you live too fast and make decisions too quickly you will slip and fall; if you are more thoughtful and purposeful about making decisions then the likelihood of falling or making a mistake is lessened. And just when you think you've gotten the hang of life and all of it's complexities, you fall on your butt...only to learn a lesson about yourself, about how to plan better, live better, be better. Life is slippery in general. But hey, if you don't venture out, live and take some risks, then you don't get where you need to go...
This year my goal is to take more risks. And with God's help to look beyond my fears so that I can live beyond my fears...to dream more and worry less. I guess I'm gonna have to endure a lot more slipping, sliding, and risk taking to make this happen, but for some reason, I think it will all be worth it :-).
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