Tears

Photo by Matt McGee

My plan this morning was to get up early and hit the ground running. With triple digit temperatures expected, and 9.8 more cords of firewood to cut, split, and stack – it was my plan to make use of the cool morning.  That was until my Smiling Son came bouncing out of the bedroom looking for food. I fed him breakfast and got ready for a day of woodcutting. Well guess who thought he was a part of this grand scheme?

Now, just so you don’t judge this 22 month old toddler too quickly, I need to mention that I was carrying him in my arms as I loaded the truck, made a breakfast sandwich, and put on my work boots. Plus, he loves my truck (ahem, all trucks) and as we put stuff in it, I think he got the idea that he could go with me.

Now lest you also jump to conclusions thinking I am a hard-nosed, workaholic Dad, I actually did entertain the thought of bringing him! After all, I learned everything I know from tagging along with my Dad – from a very early age. But, thinking that chainsaws, large piles of wild timber [insert photo], and toddlers are not a good mix – I changed my mind.

Actually, thinking about it – this isn’t even safe for me!!”

So, as we went back into the house, Smiling Son became Sobbing Son – it broke my heart – really! I can hear me readers now, looking up the number for Child Protective Services, spitting epitaphs, screaming at your screen (BTW, I can’t hear you!). Nonetheless, I left him with Mommy as he melted into a pool of tears. (Me = heartbroken)

As I’ve been breathing 2-cycle exhaust fumes and eating sawdust this morning, I had an interesting thought:

• How often do we cry and complain when things don’t go the way we planned? We get a notion; we get our hopes up, and then , we are dropped back to reality!

It could have been that cute girl, or boy, you had the crush on in the 7th grade – you know, the one who later went to prison? Maybe it was that job you applied for, but didn’t get – and if you would have gotten it, you would never have achieved the life you now live.

you don’t always get what you want, but you get what you need!”

Photo by Christoph

My point is, life doesn’t always turn out the way we want it to, nor is it always fair, but sometimes it is just what we needed. As that great British philosopher once said, “you don’t always get what you want, but you get what you need! (Mick Jagger)”

If you believe there is a power greater than yourself, and as a 12-stepper, I do, then trust that Higher Power to make the best choices for you.  Our limited foresight (ie; none) doesn’t work so well. Don’t rely on your emotional wants – seek a path of enlightenment. You’ll never regret the journey.