Deep Thoughts with Jack Handy

Well looky there, it appears my bitch fest yesterday struck a nerve with the internets. Apparently everyone is having a tough week. At least I am in good company.

Later today, we are packing up our grouchy party of 5 and traveling north to visit good friends. Best friends. You know the kind where just being in their company makes you feel a little more whole inside? If you don’t have those kind in your life, go find them. Mine unfortunately live 3.5 hours away which is sad because they could live in the same town and they would still be too far away. I am hoping the road trip clears this angst I am feeling. If nothing else, between the summer heat, the wine I plan on consuming and the laughter, I think things will begin to look a little brighter.

I’ve mentioned Donald Miller’s most recent book here a few times. You know when you read something or see a movie and it just sticks with you? You chew on it over and over, trying to figure out why it hit you so deep and why you can’t shake the feeling that you were meant to read/see it right at that time? His book is about “story” and the fact that every story has the same basic elements – a character that is willing to overcome hardship to get something. I am really challenged by looking at myself and seeing the hardship – knowing that it leads to something, to a story. But what am I overcoming? What is it I want my story to be about? Do I want to overcome the hardship of law school to be a lawyer? The hardship of marriage to reach a golden anniversary? The hardship of marathon training to complete a 26.2 mile run? What am I living for that is worth telling someone about 10, 20, 50 years from now?

A lot of Christians talk about living life “intentionally” – I find this strange and often unattainable as a mother to three small humans. The only intentional thing I do is make it through very busy days. However, I know there is more than that. We are all on this ride, and I am convinced we all share the same inner fear that it won’t mean anything in the end, that the struggle will be for not. I want to live a good story. Maybe I overcome fear and write that book that swirls around in my head like a word milkshake. Maybe, I overcome my inner critic and finally accept myself for who I am. Maybe.

What is your story? What are you overcoming in order to reach a goal? Do you think about the big picture and what your life will “say”?  Do share, I am looking for ideas and inspiration here.

Related posts:

1. Fear and obedience in San Diego
2. You are what you read…
3. Skin Deep
4. Quick and Dirty
5. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall