My Hands Make Horrible Fists

There is a brilliant snowstorm going on outside my window right now.  I am reminded of seeing people try to walk in storms, trying to bundle themselves in...it almost looks like they are trying to collapse in on themselves.  


I have felt this before.  The need to hunch over, to pull everything in tight, to hold on for dear life.  There is something about becoming smaller that makes me feel safe, but this is just a figment of my imagination.  Safety does not come from size.  Safety is not determined by posture or position. Safety is an attitude...it's preparation...it's honesty.


I watched a remarkable TED Talk today by Sarah Kay about spoken poetry.  Being the math person I am, I keyed in on a specific equation she shared:


ABILITY + COURAGE = REWARDS


She talked about how she is trying to walk through life with open hands, ready and willing to experience life.  Some people would say this isn't safe...but she didn't say she wasn't aware of her surroundings, or that she wasn't prepared to take care of herself if necessary.  Her safety comes from being confident in her ability and knowledge of herself.  The juxtaposition of courage with the idea of safety is what makes the rewards so remarkable.  Big rewards come from big opportunities.  (One of my favorite scenes from the movie Miracle.)


Sarah outlines three statements you need to say when approaching your life.  They are so universal and applicable that we all need to be reminded of them:
1.  "I can."
2.  "I will."
3.  These steps never end...I need to grow, explore, take risks and challenge myself.


Sarah ended her TED talk by saying, "I'm trying my hardest to get it right this time around."  


Is your life spent in the moment, trying to do life right?  Are you planning on success or are you accepting failure?  What is your attitude - Can you?  Will you?  


I have changed the way I pray in a lot of different ways.  One of the most impacting has been to not close/clasp my hands.  I try to keep my hands open, and have even begun opening my arms as well.  I want to be open, to be able to embrace what life and God has for me.