In Others’ Words: What’s the Point?

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, Life, quote about choices 14 Comments

wait and miss the entire point. Benedict. 2014

What are we waiting for?

How often do we spend our days dodging the pain, sidestepping the challenges, declining the invitation to live out loud because it might hurt too much? Living life real means tears and laughter, disappointment and contentment, missing the mark so badly that we completely lose sight of it and dreams coming true in a blinding blaze of glory.

If avoidance isn’t the point, then what is?

Maybe living life real is discovering how to blink away tears … and shoulder disappointments … and keep your focus on the end-of-the-rainbow-vision even when you’ve missed the mark a thousand times. Maybe living life real is going to bed exhausted and praying for the strength to get up in the morning and go looking for the that mark you missed — that goal, that dream, that promised land, that passion …

In Your Words: What are you waiting for? What helps you embrace live life real?

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If you’re feeling a little deja vu today: I apologize that this post showed up briefly last week — a bit earlier than I planned. I rescheduled it as soon as I realized it had gone live too soon — and without the quote image!

Comments 14

  1. A timely piece, Beth. Between visiting family gravesides last weekend, the passing of a family member (okay, she was our beloved cat, but still family) this Thursday, and yesterday’s sermon at church based upon Genesis 2, that we are both dust and glory, I’ve contemplated this question subliminally these past few days. Again, my answer remains the same: the point is to glorify God. Nothing else. I will try my very best to give Him all honor and to make Him not disappointed in me. Whatever little joys in life that may come as a result of this, the ones that fall between the cracks of hard living that we all traipse through, I will embrace.

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  2. The point is our responsibility to those around us. Everything else is subordinate to that, and when that view is operative, our reactions begin to loom smaller. Avoidance becomes both futile and unnecessary, because it stands in the way of duty.

    Our dreams are certainly important, but if they take primacy in life they turn our life into something like a changing-room at a clothing store, with several mirrors. They show us ourselves in the best light, but block off a longer view.

    No reason to become a grim version of Mother Teresa, here…”Oh, all RIGHT, responsibility for others comes first, and then I’ll go eat worms.” It’s a matter of perspective and priority.

    Accepting that paradigm accepts what life brings.

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  3. You know, a few years back a friend of mine kept telling me I should blog. But I waited. For what? I don’t know. But finally she said, “What are you waiting for?” She had no clue about the writing community or making friendships, she just liked my devotionals and smart mouth lol! When she said that, I started blogging. In October. I’m so glad I did now. I’ve met lovely and wonderful friends who encourage me all the time. I’m thankful for that.

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  4. Beautiful post, Beth. Living life real is what I’ve been pondering for awhile now. I’ve learned that running away to avoid problems only makes them worse. Rather, embracing God during them, leaning hard into Him will help me come through the hard times a richer person for the lessons I’ve learned. I don’t welcome problems or trials, but I don’t fear them as much either.

    What helps me embrace living life real is knowing I’m not alone on the journey. God walks with me, encouraging me to live trusting Him. Hubby and kids add joy and transparency to the journey. Friends give courage and prayers in the hard parts of the trail. Knowing I’m not alone gives me strength to push through the failures, disappointments and trials, as well as the confidence to embrace dreams (both those I’ve attained and those I’m still pursuing) and joy when they cross my path.

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  5. Beth, I just saw the “deja vu” disclaimer.

    No worries. For me, life is one big deja vu all over again. I figure I live backwards, like Merlin, and I’m getting younger every day.

    Speaking of which, give a listen to John Fogerty’s song, “Deja Vu All Over Again”; It’s a cautionary tale that we do need to keep in mind, even when facing the necessity of warfare.

  6. Pingback: Fog: 4 Tips for Seeing Through Difficulties | Jeanne Takenaka

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