Great and Terrible

“You live as if you were destined to live forever, no thought of your frailty ever enters your head, of how much time has already gone by you take no heed.  You squander time as if you drew from a full and abundant supply, though all the while that day which you bestow on some person or thing is perhaps your last.” - Lucius Annaeus Seneca.

Great and Terrible

“I’m in Oregon.”  Kyle said.  “We’re here visiting our son and grandbaby.”

Suddenly, making the phone call felt like a violation, as if using this time was steeling; something that could never be replaced.  Perhaps this feeling came in combination with the revelation Kyle had already granted; a sure knowledge of the transient nature of individual time.  His presence in America’s Northwest, if nothing else, proved his deep-rooted acceptance of this truth.  It also revealed three important branches of that deeply rooted understanding.  He was in Oregon on this day because he has been completely and thoroughly changed.  A singular change that occurred upon discovering and then grasping his “what, why and who.”

“What” means at least two different, yet directly connected things to Kyle.  His first “what” was announced through small tremors.  Who knew that small, almost imperceptible quivers, could be both great and terrible?  Could one have guessed that minor and almost undetectable trembling could bring about mighty change?  Yet, magnificent transformation has come to Kyle as a result of his ability to catalyze his first “what” with an essential second.  A purpose.

“I know that I can be healed.”  Kyle said, as he explained, with exactness, his plan to fulfill his purpose; to become healthy, be healed, to live life in its greatest possibility.  He understands every detail of his purpose, the process he’s pursuing to reach this all-consuming goal, right down to a vivid portrayal of his deepest feelings.  His description of raw, human feeling is most striking because his purpose would lack conviction, depth and meaning without the discovery of his personal “why.”  A reason.

Kyle’s reason is much more than merely a healing of body.  His reason and purpose are all relationship based.  He’s following a process carefully designed to heal his body, build his personal associations and empower his spirit.  That means living happily, creatively and connected to the most important people in his life.  His who.

“I’m in Oregon.”  Kyle said.  He was there with his “who.”  The people he loves most.

Suddenly, making the phone call felt like a revelation, as if using this time was a privilege; learning of how something terrible can be turned into greatness.  Perhaps this feeling came in combination with the revelation Kyle had already granted; a sure knowledge of the transient nature of individual time.  His presence in America’s Northwest, if nothing else, proves his deep-rooted acceptance of this truth.  It also revealed the three important branches of Kyle’s relationship-rooted understanding.  He was in Oregon on this day because he has been completely and thoroughly changed.  Change occurring upon discovering how to turn something terrible into something great by grasping his own what, why and who.