Lamplight

"All that glitters is not gold" is not only one of my favorite quotes, but one that invites comprehension, dissection, relativity, and personal association. And so, without hesitation, I would profess that self-importance cannot ever be gained from material substance, title, or wage - because such flimsy ideals will always surely dupe the seeker. Yes, in fact, whenever I hear the term "sound mind and a pure heart" my own lungs stop still, wait, evaluate, consider, and then eagerly receive as much elemental wisdom as what cries out in reverberating and needful acceptance.

Whether wealthy, poor, desperate, or within means, the definition of true wealth actually derives its importance from the examination, culmination, fruition, and reciprocity of character, unerring values, and a belief system that cannot be bartered nor bought. And while youth and beauty can often jockey into position for dividends, perks, and/or immediate consideration, without substance, they will surely always fade into an abyss of inconsequential matter, dismissed as nothing more than meager tripe and a desperate bid for the smallest pittance of relevance.

Legacy is. While most of the world seeks Hollywood ideals, lip-injections, plastic surgery-enhanced backsides, defined abs, and anything that clings to hyped-sexuality, it's within the intangible that legacy arises and discards any and all artificial narcissism to demand more - yes, the more that would last eons of time and obtain, retain, and ingrain definitive importance.

Think about it. No, please do. And then step apart and reject the crowds.

Sometimes, while I'm driving, I think about how erratic my car would behave were I only to concentrate upon the next few feet ahead of me instead of the smoothness of a curve, 100 yards off. It makes me think that the trick in life, honestly, is to live within the distance of a goal ahead, and yet truly approach any mile-marker or curve, with a hell-bent-for-leather mindset that is able to shift in the moment, recognize obstacles, internalize meaning, consider influence, and then navigate around any rock-slides or stalled vehicles to stubbornly seek its destination.

Life is definitely a metaphor - everywhere you look. And the secret to becoming nearly always commences when difficult truths hit home. And then, no matter what - no matter where you are: in traffic, in church, in the grocery store, at work, or in the middle of family disagreement and/or anguish - I say, share everything. Do. For it's when we share our barest souls and connect with each other, that we actually build His kingdom. <3

Living Joy - This Carman Girl