Recently I had an epiphany. It is this: life becomes much easier when you realize that no one really knows what they are doing. This is our first time at life, and we are all just figuring it out as we go along, learning from our experiences and those of our ancestors. Some may seem to have mastered life better than others, but make no mistake, we are all still learning how to navigate it. In this process of learning life, I have come to understand at least this one truth: life is a balance of action and acceptance.
On the one hand, we must actively engage our life so that we do not simply allow life to happen to us. Deciding how to be active is largely determined by a sense of purpose. Without a purpose or goal, we run the risk of wandering aimlessly through life, or being inactive. As the book of Proverbs states “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18). However, I do not believe finding our purpose is necessarily a singular life event or “aha” moment, although that may seem the case for some. Epiphanies do not exist in a vacuum, but occur in a broader context. I have found that realizing one’s purpose is an ever-unfolding process that entails discovering a common thread running through our life. Consequently, actively engaging life is also an ever-unfolding process that will morph as we discover, and perhaps rediscover our purpose.
On the other hand, while we must be active in our lives, we are not sustained on action alone, but require acceptance. The truth is that no matter how much we plan, no matter how much we desire and no matter how much we pray, life will not always go the way we want. In fact, I guarantee that life will disappoint you. If it has not yet, then, as the old folks say, just keep living. I do not say this to be cynical, but to provide a humbling reminder that while we are largely in control of our lives, we do not hold total control of our lives. We are still subjected to outside forces that wield influence in our lives, such as the weather, the economy, and if you are a person of faith like I am, divine forces.
Acceptance, therefore, is about releasing our need or propensity to try to control that which we are powerless to control. In other words, it means to cease engaging in a losing battle. A necessary by-product of acceptance, then, is peace because we are liberated from the stress, worry and anxiety that comes from trying to carry a burden that is not ours. Again, as a person of faith, acceptance is easier for me when I consider that I am releasing control into the hands of an omnipotent God who I believe has my best interest at hand. The world seems less ominous and capricious, while still uncertain. Even if you are not a person of faith, however, reaching a point of acceptance is still critical to reaching a point of sustained peace. More importantly, learning acceptance while balancing the need for action, is a critical life skill.
Admittedly, learning to balance action with acceptance is not easy. I will not pretend to have struck this perfect balance between the two. After all, I am still figuring out life like everyone else. I do believe, however, that learning to balance these two is possible. As I face joy and disappointment, I recognize more the need for such balance and strive to achieve it. I hope you too will work on this balancing act because I am confident that on the other side of balancing action and acceptance is peace and contentment.
Until Next Time
–Palooke–
Exceptionally good content in this one, Palooke. Thanks for the insight. Takes a lot of pressure off of some who might think they need to be ‘all knowing’ and ‘all wise’. I believe that status is reserved for God and God alone. Again, good job.
True and well said. Makes me think about the serenity prayer. Amazing how I often worry about what I can’t change while slacking on the things I can actually control.