I have spent the last little while doing something that is very dangerous and should never be done, and that is comparing. Sometimes my life feels like it is falling to shambles and I literally do not know how to fix it, or sometimes even lack the will power. Then I look around me and see all these people.... and it seems like they have everything all figured out. Now I know that this can't be true for who honestly has everything figured out, I would dare say almost no one. This leads me to a very important discovery, something I may have even known all along, "On the surface the duck seems so calm and serene, gliding so peacefully, but underneath it is paddling like hell." This answers my question, that only through what happens beneath the surface do we ever get anywhere at all. This analogy has another connection to my life right now. When I think of the delicacy of a duck, I literally can see in my minds eye the wetlands of yes....Young Ward, Utah. There lies a pond and on a calm day there can sometimes be found a duck or two on the exterior. As it struggles beneath the surface it's body is thrust forward. The imagery of a duck swimming also leaves another imprint, I can foresee the ripples left behind from all the paddling underneath. For a moment the glassy surface is disturbed.... but there are two gifts bestowed. One is the duck's exertion propels him forward so he is not stagnant. Two the stream or corridor that is left behind that can be followed. I often think "if I can do this right maybe... just maybe I'll be an example to someone around me that may be watching." The reason I know this is because I have been "watching" and forming ideas, opinions and beliefs my whole life. Family is so important. I have observed my brothers and sisters all my life, and I have seen them struggle but most importantly I have seen them be victorious in everything they do. I guess what I'm getting to is that I only can hope that I can follow the ripples they have left behind but also create new ones that can be followed by someone else in need. So thanks for allowing me to see the struggles and grief beneath the surface so I could appreciate where you are today and where I will be someday.
