Why is everything so difficult?

Between a rock and a hard place

I'm going to be very honest here and admit I've more life behind me than in front. I'm not complaining - it's been great and it continues to be. I've been places, seen and done things many others won't have the opportunity or freedom to experience, and I'm very grateful.

HOWEVER.............. I feel like I had more control - in fact, I know I did. Time was plentiful, and slow to tick over. The outside world was a safer place to experience. Among other things I was able to stroll through the ruins of the Acropolis in Greece (no longer accessible); in Israel I stood on the place where Jericho was both built and destroyed, and, after a long train trip from Spain to Rome, fell asleep in the Colosseum on ancient stone while other tourists took photos. (I was tired!)

Now, however, the world and it's technology seems to have put it's collective foot down on the accelerator of life. Blink twice and what was established yesterday is now out of date (apart from the ancient ruins, which were established a little earlier than yesterday) - especially in the ever changing tech area. This makes life difficult for those who no longer work in that environment, and I'm not talking just old people. Because of the speed of this change the gap is extending at a fairly rapid pace which puts the 'only frequent user' further and further behind.  

What are our options? Try to keep up in a part time capacity or give up entirely and play golf! Let's  face it, some work in situations where it's just a job.  No real satisfaction achieved - just 'working for the man'. Sure, we all need money to survive but does it have to happen in the rat race? Of course it's easier to leave a safe environment if a pension or healthy bank balance will support us but let's be honest, we all need to work in some capacity because we were made to achieve and honour God in this way.

So, maybe it's time to give the roses a sniff! He has given us all gifts - why not try something that makes our heart sing.  NZ has become a small business country.  People are making a second choice at a business they are passionate about. Growing roses, building vineyards, working with wood, clay,  old tyres, raising young lambs for wool, arts and crafts, community care, restoring cars, anything and everything that takes their fancy and inspires others.  It's how God made us to be - He gives us the gifts and we grow in inspiration and excitement when we 'paint' as He planned us to do.

Please don't grow old in the rat race, or pack in your job because the speed of change is making you dizzy. Not only do we get the freedom to bless others but the burden and anxiety of 'run of the mill' boredom can rolled off our shoulders with the excitement of something new.  

Whadda think?

by Jo Warner