Ready. Set. Go.
And, then, you get this feeling, “Which way?”
I watched as one of our sons, although cones were present to direct the way, because there was a path ahead, with no others around to follow, he stood for a quick moment not knowing if he should go forward or to the right.
In a split second of understanding his silent confusion, I pointed to the direction he were to keep going.
He was running a race in cross country.
The cones were there, but as I have come to realize, even from a spectator’s viewpoint, when several paths are presented, if never taken before, the direction to follow can be unclear.
Today marks the finale for voting.
We will know soon enough what will have transpired from all of our actions to have a voice in all matters presented to us to decide upon.
From initiatives to our next president, all will be revealed soon enough.
When given choice, it is our blessed will and freedom to decide.
And, yet, one way or the other, we will discover some unknowns of our actions.
Had I not been at that corner where my son had paused for a quick second before I pointed to him the way to follow, most likely he would have kept going forward instead.
I think, sometimes, when found in a junction, we hesitate, knowing and understanding that our move counts for the finish.
And, yet, there is limited time to process, to think things through.
We want to do right with every step and yet, there we find ourselves, wondering which way to go.
Some parts are easy. We can quickly choose without another thought.
Some parts, however, present disclarity.
You see that the way presented suggests one way or the other. You want to choose the way you feel to be right, but not knowing exactly if you are absolutely clear as to the right way.
I wonder how many of us, determined to take action in our right to each take part in decision making, can honestly say they know the exact, right way- from the beginning of choice to the facing end of results.
Will there not be a yin and yang, so to speak, perpetual effect no matter which side takes lead?
Will there not be outcries of injustice at the same time of those rejoicing?
Will there not be the unsatisfied still?
And, of those who will no doubt be basking in that warmth of elation to see that their hopes for all to go their way does, should one prepare for the moment of doubt their direction being taken may prove to be the wrong one?
Will we come to admit the direction chosen was wrong if a time arrives to acknowledge such?
Who will be a trusted one to point out the direction to take instead?
Would it be too late?
Has it already been?
If and when a path is taken where in the end we find time and energy lost, who would be there to take accountability?
Those who placed the cones to direct or those who were to carefully choose the course taken?
How careful are we in our choices?
More often, how impacted will be become once the choices have been made?
Who will be pointing fingers?
Which direction?
Toward whom?
Why?
When you run your own path, your choices are yours to make; the results are yours to own.
When we collectively decide on matters, however, the choice isn’t a stand-alone.
My youngest two watched as I cast my votes, making sure to model to them the very essence of choosing carefully, taking time to read positions with my husband to make certain our votes leaned where my heart, mind, body, and spirit perceived to be in the right.
Upon completion, I heard myself say to my youngest two, “Remember. Whatever the results, we will relax- We will trust in God.”
I think to the pinnacle scene in the movie, The Count of Monte Cristo, where I now prepare myself to see soon enough around me either disappointments, exhalations, or exultations in the days and for some, weeks or months to follow.
There will be those who think, because at the moment they will have felt they lost, all hopes have been forsaken.
And, yet, in the long run, even a great loss becomes part of the bigger plan toward unthinkable victories.
Relax. Breathe. Let go.
Rejoice.
