Messages and Signs and Finding Balance

I am a huge fan of a book I recently read, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coehlo. The underlying premise is that the Universe (God) gives us signs and directs us on our own personal journeys, but we need to be vigilant, open to seeing the signs and faithful enough to follow them. Reflecting back on some of my most meaningful experiences hindsight tells me that the premise is correct, so I have been trying to do that. Like everything else in life, though, some days it is more difficult to see the signs than others, but this week I got the proverbial 2x4 up side of my head. Again.

I know I said last time that I was going to be thankful, and I have been. But, being human, I have also been petulant, pouty, disappointed that things haven't gone just the way I wanted them to go. I didn't actually complain, but I haven't been very nice, either. I believe that we all go through periods of time when we focus too much on ourselves, our own wants and other times when we focus too much on others. If only we could find a balance between "me" and "everyone else", stopping the pendulum from constantly swinging too far in one direction and then back, too far the other way.

My wake up call this week came early - literally. One morning at the gym one of my friends approached to tell me that his wife has been diagnosed with cancer, they would appreciate prayers. At 82, after having had other health issues and surgeries, she was now staring down yet another lethal opponent. And I was feeling angry because I couldn't have the day go just the way I wanted it to go. OK, I get the message, I really don't need another whack.

The good news is that there is reason to be hopeful, good reports from the doctor and treatable disease. In addition to all the others we have on our lists, PH and her family, all the people in Joplin, Massachusetts, whoever is on your own personal list, please add Pat B. and her family. I plan to also offer thanks that I was able to see the sign and get the message, but ask for lots and lots of help remembering it, finding that balance more often than not.