Cause and Effect

Chubby hands throw rocks unsteadily into the cold river water. Each rock is an adventure, how big is the splash? How far will it go? Eli could throw these rocks far longer than my patience will last, until the sun has set behind the mountain. He does this because he likes to see the effect he has on the water, what his strength can do.

Today as he was busily picking up rocks far too heavy for him to throw, I realized that we are all still throwing rocks. We are all giant, unsteady toddlers throwing our talent, ideas and heart out to the world and waiting to see the affect. Will we be strong enough? Will we make a big enough splash?

Sometimes we don’t throw ourselves into anything at all because we are afraid it won’t be enough, it won’t matter to the world. We hide the talent God gave us under a familiar blanket of self doubt.

Recently I realized that it doesn’t matter if I’m not the next big thing. I don’t have to be best at anything, I just have to be me. Flawed, wrinkled and without doubt, wholly mortal.

In the water’s reflection I see his blonde hair curling up around his elfish baby ears. I know that some day he won’t be content to just sit and throw rocks but instead he will be wondering if he can make the team, get the girl or earn the corner office. Wining is great, being the best at one thing must be an amazing feeling. I hope he gets to experience it.

However, more than anything I just can’t wait to see his impact on the world, even if it is just our small one down by this river.

Related posts:

1. A Pox On You!
2. So I don’t forget – Joshie