I was just thinking the other night about how many different things in my life over time has lead me to be here, in this place doing what I'm doing right now. Let me explain. I was thinking about some of those movies that feature time machines like Butterfly Effect, Time Travelers Wife and of course Back to the Future. All of them have at least one thing in common--if you change one part of your past, no matter how small it has a ripple effect on everything! The present as you know would be different. Of course Hollywood wanted to make it entertaining so there were dramatic changes to life that cause these great ripple effects.
It got me thinking about my life and again how I arrived at the life I have. If you would have told me just 4 years ago that I'd be waist deep in the church, volunteering every Saturday and engrossed in the Word every opportunity I get, I would've sold you some swamp land. It wouldn't have been that big of a stretch for me to believe I would be in Carolina or that I would have the job I have because those were all things I planned at some point. I'd have been surprised about some other things though--keeping that to myself right now.
Most people if asked if they could go back and make 1 change in their life it would likely be to fix a mistake you made or forgo a traumatic event. A couple of years ago I'd probably be right there with you. But in the last few years I've come to better understand and embrace the fact that God's plan for me had already been laid out. All the "issues" I dealt with in the past have actually shaped me to the person I am today. In many cases I can honestly say had I not gone through some of those rough times I would not have the knowledge or appreciation for certain things I have today. Still, like anyone I would make a change. Small or otherwise I'd have spent more time getting to know my oldest brother Maurice II when he was still at home. Reese (as we called him) was a bit of a loner. He left home when I was a sophomore in high school. After living in New York for a couple of years Reese just up and left. No contact with anyone in the family. This isn't like one of those disappeared without a trace type stories. No, from time to time some people in the family have seen him or heard from him, but it was merely by accident. Reese chose to cut ties with all of his family for reasons only he could answer. Like most people I've done some sleuthing to try and find him. I checked Facebook and Google--some hits but considering I last saw him over 25 years ago, I don't know if I would recognize him. I think he's out there--living his life. I wish I took the time to get closer to him so he would want to keep in touch. Not sure how much of a "ripple effect" that would have had on my life. Reese was always good with kids. I really think he would love my kids and my nieces and nephew if he got a chance to know them. I bet he has a family of his own and I'd love to meet them. I've come to grips that Reese has chosen not keep in touch with anyone. I felt the need to find him even more after our mom passed away in December 2010. It would have been nice to talk to him--to reminisce about times with mom, but he made the choice.
I guess if I've learned anything about Reese being gone it's the fact that I can't change other people's choices. You have to live for the here and now. You can't get back the past you can only make better decisions for the present and future. You get one life--no do overs. Make the most of it by honor God in all things.
Be blessed!
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