The runners get set, then go at the sound of the starting gun. As they progress down the lane, they face a hurdle. Bounding over, they run a few more feet and then face another hurdle. And again, and again, as they continue the race in the track meet.
Some clear hurdles easily. Some hit the hurdle with their foot, knocking it over. Others, are tripped by the hurdles and fall to the ground, but usually get back up and continue the race.
Life is like that.
When we're young, somehow we see others and think they have their lives "all together." We set goals and think "Once I'm on my own, I'll do great." Or "When I get married, I'll be loved forever." Or "When I have a baby, I'll be a great parent."
I once heard a teenage mother, in announcing her son's birth, say: "Now I have someone who will love me forever."
Surprise!
Everyone makes mistakes. Being an adult doesn't make you automatically wise or successful. Being married doesn't guarantee you love. Being a parent isn't easy. Being a mother doesn't guarantee that your child will always be positively sentimental about you.
Love takes work. Relationships (even those by blood ties) take work.
Life has hurdles. Some are caused by our poor choices. Some are caused by others. But we are responsible for how we respond to those hurdles and the wisest of us will learn from them, get back up and adjust our stride if necessary. To succeed, we don't focus on the downed hurdles, but on the finish line.
So, too, the "race" of life. We must keep our eyes on the goal of being wise, compassionate, caring adults able to adjust as necessary to the vicissitudes of life.
Accepting our frailties, admitting our flaws, learning from others, accepting help when necessary -- all are important facets of being a successful adult.
So, when you fall when you trip over a life hurdle, get back up, dust yourself off and get back in the race.
•••
Editor's note: Annette Beard is the managing editor of The Times of Northeast Benton County. She can be reached at [email protected].
Editorial on 04/19/2017