Fragments Gallery
Note: Futility and Determination
Recently we’ve been having strong winds. Not just the “oh there goes a modern tumbleweed*” sort of wind but more along the lines of “is that tree going to snap in half?” I don’t remember if the winds we had last year were this strong. They may have but then again maybe they were tamer.
During one of the quieter spells I figured I’d go for a run. I was walking home from that when I witnessed a small bird getting caught in the clutches of the wind. That bird was a persistent one; it fluttered in that fierce current, flapping full-tilt onward and yet making no progress through the air. It hung high above, struggling against the unseen forces.
It was then that something occurred to me...
Aren’t we all like that? Fighting against an immovable force, making no progress but holding on with pure force of will? Struggling until either we overcome it or until the force abates and we are allowed through. Can we overcome challenges? Or do we just hold on until the pressure lessens? Is it really our ability or talent that makes us succeed or is it just persistence, the sheer stubbornness that won’t allow us to give in?
If one is strong, cunning or powerful is that enough to get them through this gauntlet of life? Maybe it takes more? Would you think persistence and determination are required as well? Is persistence alone enough? Perhaps it is better to have a smattering of all of the above and a healthy dose of determination; maybe that would be enough to allow one to succeed?
Nothing comes easily; perhaps all we can do is hope that the wind abates before our wings give out.
*In case you didn’t guess; the modern tumbleweed is a plastic bag.