Will the Sun Come Up Again?
"Winter is the time when nature takes a well-deserved nap, and we can find beauty in the stillness of the world." - Anon
When our planet wobbles around the sun it creates a certain suspense for us as a human race. It says that we are not in control; Creation is. What will the universe do this time? Or do to us?
To the ancients there was little that they could control about anything. However, as they observed the sun, moon, and stars over generations, even eons, a few people recorded events that repeated themselves continually. These repetitions gave rise to prehistoric monuments in many places - like Stonehenge where the huge blocks are solstice aligned.
In the Middle East, where many of our religious ideas arose and became organized, the idea of death and the heavens merged into personas like Ra (the Sun) in Egypt, and Osiris who governed the underworld. In more northern climes, it was more evident that the sun was disappearing, and a fire became necessary for survival. If it went out, expectations were changed for the worse. Darkness ruled much of the year in the far North.
The Romans held a festival on Dec 21 for their sun god Sol. For many years it was noticed that by Dec 25, the days had lengthened three days in a row. So Dec 25 became a day for celebration - once again the sun god returns! And the expectation that Spring is on its way rekindles hope. It begs us to view the natural world as a sacred gift from a higher power. If we sense this, what could naturally follow?
That is why we "plan" - we like to think we can create more control over our future. That is why Stonehenge went up as a profound dedication and remains as a wonder to us even today. Our hope is strenghtend a bit. If the ancients did this, maybe we can recapture some magic within us that shows us the way to relate to ourselves and others better. Maybe together we can blow on the fire so it doesn't go out. Maybe our Creator observes us and laughs a little bit with Cosmic humor before the days lenghten again, then says to us: "Here you go - Spring is coming!"
So we plan and do it repeatedly to get better at it. The past few weeks I have tried to give you a different path for the coming year - one that allows for your hope and inspiration to be a centerpiece to last the entire year. Chances are there are many years left for you to grow and have the Joy of improving something. Choose Joy is the message. Plan to be Joyful!
As Fall comes to a close in a few days, take heart in the words of Robert Frost as he guides his sleigh..... (You should have your heavy coat on)
"Whose woods these are I think I know,
His house is in the village, though,
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near,
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downey flake.
The woods are lovely dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep."
Keep your promises - to yourself and others, with a good plan.
Happy Days Ahead
Joe Grant, MBA
Certified Retirement Coach
Contact me for a Free 45 minute Consultation at https://yourvantagepoints.com