Possibilities and Limits
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We are on a dismounted patrol to the top of some ancient ruins. A short walk, but the ground is loose and steep. Rocks and dirt slide down as we walk up. The only way to make it up a steep hill while laden with gear is to look ahead but watch where you put your feet.
The same holds true when moving toward any goal in life. Becoming fixated on a goal to the exclusion of the present moment can cause embarrassing and injurious tumbles. But too much attention to the details without looking ahead can cause unnecessary detours. This is the balance of possibilities and limits. The possibilities: reaching the top, hitting on a great idea, realizing a vision of justice and peace, or just getting through the deployment and getting home. The limits: an uncertain course, unstable footing, the dangers of this place, waning physical and emotional stamina. We have hopes, dreams, goals we seek to make real in our lives. We struggle with fear, loneliness, hardship. We must navigate the obstacles while keeping our sights on all that is possible.
We crest the hill and stand atop thousand-year-old ruins. We look out across the city. Children play as well-armed soldiers stroll the streets. In the distance, the earth curves and the horizon falls away. So much possibility. So many limits. Where will we be six months from now? What is possible for our lives? Will we reach our homes safely? Whatever the answers to these questions may be for you, there is only one sure way forward—look ahead, but watch where you put your feet.
From War Zone Faith: An Army Chaplain’s Reflections from Afghanistan, published by Skinner House in 2013, and available from the UUA bookstore or 800-215-9076.
- The Courage to Endure - March 1, 2015
- Possibilities and Limits - July 1, 2013
