At the Dead End of a Gravel Road
Lessons I Learned
At the dead-end of a rutted and potholed gravel road, I behold the resilient but worn home of my upbringing. The sagging roof, shifting boards, and dormant flowers echo the passage of time, marking the waypoints of my life's journey. Raised in the hot and humid heart of rural Louisiana, my path has been forged by the intertwining forces of nature, faith, art, and an unwavering determination to impact the world. Along this winding road, four pivotal lessons have illuminated my way, directed my steps, and fueled my fervor.
Nature is a Sanctuary
The Louisiana countryside reveals its beauty in stoic moss-draped trees and tranquil bayous. The symphony of wind through leaves and the song of chirping crickets became soulful melodies, offering solace that nothing else could. This communion with nature taught me the importance of honoring our environment and nurturing our relationship with the gifts the Creator gave us. By embracing the vastness of nature's outside, one can bring light, peace, and solace to the deepest and darkest of what's inside.
We often lose our way. Our minds are so bloated with information and so full of chaos that we grow blank. God's creation can bring us to the feet of our Creator, who breathes life and heals our deepest wounds.
Faith is the Cornerstone
As a man of adventure, my faith journey has been a cornerstone of my life. The Bible's teachings have provided me with unwavering guidance and a moral compass to navigate life's challenges. Colossians 1:13-14 says:
"He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
This passage reminds us of faith's transformative power and the redemption available to all who have it. Without faith, I can't "please God" (Hebrews 11:6), and certainly not my fellow humans. But with it, I can find purpose. In moments of doubt and despair, faith leads me down the gravel roads of life, reminding me that even at the dead-end, there is a greater plan at play. Faith propels me forward as well as keeps me still. It lets me see a divine purpose in every step I take and those I cannot.
Art is a Mode of Expression
Amidst the serene landscapes of Louisiana, between the cypress swamps and the piney hills, I discovered the power of artistic expression. To some, a weather-beaten piece of wood is there to stoke a fire. To me, it was as though God had formed this unique gnarled shape just for my pleasure. Through painting, music, and other creative outlets, I found a way to capture the essence of life's moments and emotions. When I say capture, I mean precisely that. Art can sustain an event, make time stand still, so to speak, and make a memory easier to recall. Just as a skilled artist can blend colors to create a masterpiece, we, too, can weave our experiences into a tapestry that tells the story of our journey.
Art, in all its forms, connects with the deepest corners of the soul. Whether it's the strokes of a paintbrush on canvas, the harmonies of a gospel choir, the whisper of a bow over the strings of a violin, or the poetic verses of scripture, art transcends words and touches the heart. Art is finding space in a human heart that has otherwise been undiscovered and leaving a deposit there.
Adversity is a Catalyst for Growth
Despite the challenge of growing up with limited means and facing what would now be labeled a learning disability, I honed resilience. As an older mature adult, life has continued to appear in some "near-death" experiences! But those very challenges continue to be the crucible in which my character is chiseled.
I'm pretty sure there's limited advancement toward the person you want to be without push-back from where you've been. There are only two responses to adversity- we can STOP, quit, and give up, or START pushing back, get through, and become better.
Every time I choose to START and keep moving, I learn the value of overcoming. From this stoic teacher named Adversity, I have understood the value of hard work, perseverance, and compassion for my fellow humans. As they say, "It takes one to know one." Through these trials, I learned this profound truth: by receiving support and empathy from others, I have become qualified to give support and empathy to others.
During this journey, I've drawn wisdom from many sources, but one quote from Abraham Lincoln stands out: "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Life is not merely a series of moments; it's the depth of meaning and purpose we infuse into those moments that truly matter.
Reflecting on this dead-end road stirs memories of the diverse paths that led me here. Lessons learned—embracing nature, the power of faith, art as expression, and resilience in adversity—stand tall as the guiding pillars of my journey.
With every step, I realize there are no true dead-ends; instead, they offer moments to pause, reflect, and chart new courses. Each experience enriches my perspective, reminding me that: