Food for Thought

Consider the artist,

The musician, the dancer, the professional athlete…..
They begin with lessons, training, and practice. They work hard, hundreds or even thousands of hours of grueling training, or practice, at one with the piano, the brush, ball, or the clay. They endure aching muscles, tired fingers, perhaps, wasted ink or clay, lonely times away from home, all the while dreaming. Perhaps a championship, a prize, or performance on the world stage, recognition.

The dreams keep them going when it seems there is no hope, until finally, the dreams and visions are fulfilled. The practice, the work, the long hours have made it all worth he effort.

At the end, when the years have taken their toll and the theatre or arena is empty, the fingers no longer have the dexterity, eyes no longer see as well, hips and knees ache, there are the memories. The plaques, trophies, ribbons and memorabilia on the wall remind them and those who visit of the glorious days gone by.

They can look and remember and be proud.

Consider the truck driver. He works hard. Long hours or maybe days behind the wheel. He becomes, like the artist, one with the road. Loading, unloading, dedicated, he strives to deliver the goods on time, in good condition.

While driving, he too dreams. He dreams and prays about a better life for his family. He has visions of success for his children, perhaps a nicer home for his wife.

When he is old and his hands are gnarled, and his back never stops aching there are no trophies, no awards, no plaques on the wall for others to see, just the memories.

What about his dreams and visions?
Has he done enough?
Has he done enough for the children?
Has he done enough for his wife?
Who knows about his dedication? His prayers?
God knows.

Ain't God good?