What is the
validation of a life?
The quiet of
indifference, the wisdom of discernment, the rewards of obedience to a code of
ethics in contrast to the everyday clubby chat of the smug and
self-satisfied.
Here, though, is
the rub.
It is not a static
phenomenon. You do not graduate and move on to an elevated plane of
achievement. Rather, life is a work in progress.
When Jesus said, “Follow
me,” he did not have in mind empty vessels, servants to sit idly by and wait to
hear, to accept. A true mission would only come to those who think
independently, and act according to the dictates of their moral compass.
A championship ice hockey team
(It is the runup to the Stanley Cup playoffs, after all!) is filled with players who are not static, are moving their skates, thinking one-two-three moves ahead, because the
picture of that science is visible to those who believe, who trust in their
skill, practice and, most important, their teammates.
These are the
players who will be rewarded with games won, yes, but rich in the knowledge
that they are playing like champions. The light will shine both on them and in
them, make it possible for them to get better as players, to realize a
potential beyond their dreams, something that is, in and of itself, a blessing.
Next: Running for Your Life: A Word About Knees
