Wednesday, September 2, 2009

sign language

My 6-year-old is really into telling me how to drive these days now that he can read all the street signs. His 4-year-old brother likes to join in yelling, "Stupid light, turn green!" That's the kind of life I enjoy. The sign says stop, you stop. The light is green, you go. Do not enter means do not enter. It's all just so obvious and simple. Sometimes, maybe you're running late, so that stupid light is an awful inconvenience, but there are rules that must be obeyed. And so it is....
Then there are the areas of life in which the signage is not so clear and easy to read. And this is where I have trouble. I mean, I'm a pretty smart girl, I can make door knobs out of masking tape, you know, but sometimes I think that being resourceful is the opposite of helpful. See, I have this one thing in my life that just won't get itself together. Every time I turn around the bottom is falling out. Over and over and over. A sign, right? I mean if so many obstacles keep popping up, then a new path should be found. Adversity really brings out the problem solver in me, though, so I kick into high gear and fix it, or try at least. And I'm thinking, maybe this is a test in patience. Maybe I am supposed to be learning to wait things out and not freak out as soon as things look to be impossible. In the end, right on time, things always work out.
Really?!? I mean, how confusing is that mess? Is this the right way or not? I need a big, fat DO NOT ENTER sign.  Am I supposed to being learning to tough it out and be patient or am I supposed to drop this and do something else? This thing that I'm fighting with is what I want, which automatically brings doubt as I do not fully trust my own desires, so maybe that is the sign. One should learn from their past. But my past has also taught me that I can handle a lot more frustration and difficulty then I am currently handling. This is more irritating than anything, so again, a better sign would be appreciated. Not that I want to be hit by a car or struck by lightening, but I do see some potential there. 
So fine then. I am of the mind to leave well enough alone if the problem has the tendency to work itself out. And if that's not truly the right path, then hit me with something here. My eyes are wide open.