Life Has Gaps In It

Life, work, love, relationships—all of them are wonderful, but they can often be difficult and painful too when the gaps appear. It's those times when things seem to be standing completely still that can be hardest to overcome. Mind the gaps.

Pay attention to those empty spaces that open up like gaping holes in a career path, in meaningful relationships or simply in our states of being. A void that feels hauntingly real and seems to demand some kind of immediate action.

They can appear like blinding sunlight bursting through a row of tall tress.

I'm learning that being deliberate in pushing through those gaps is an essential part of maturing and nurturing long term growth—by allowing my life to take root right where I am planted.

Minding the gaps means overcoming the urge to run.

I have become most discontent when feeling that overwhelming need to try and fill those gaps—to try and fill the great divide between the certain and uncertain. Something shiny and new used to replace the old, those hours of mundane and the same old sameness of daily living.

While new things quickly draw our attention away, some day they too will become old. It's those old things which have withstood the test of time that are valued most in our culture. Like old coins, cars, cameras, vinyl records and Matchbox toys. The better the condition they're kept in, the more value they possess.

To accomplish this it takes deliberate care and nurturing as they make the journey through the long years into maturity right past the gap from new into obsolete then onto vintage. I would insist we do the same with those we cherish. Before you trash it all, first be mindful of the gaps.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation - we are challenged to change ourselves.” - Viktor E. Frankl

Comments

[andrew feingold]

great article Ray, needed to hear that right now!