OH, THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!
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Since today is National Dr. Seuss Day, I decided to write a bit about one of my favorite books: Oh, The Places You'll Go! You see, Reader, even as a young child, I loved to travel. My parents and grandparents took me all over the world, and nothing excited me as much as pulling out a suitcase for a trip. (Speaking of suitcases, have you checked out the Delsey Chalet? G and I bought a couple for our Europe trip last fall, and I'm OBSESSED. Worth. Every. Penny.) Not surprisingly, the Dr. Seuss book about traveling and dreaming about places where "things can happen and frequently do to people as brainy and footsy as you." What I didn't expect was how much this book would continue to mean to me well into adulthood.
As a child, I missed the depth to the parts of the book talking about waiting and trials, because I didn't have any life-experiences to relate to those words yet. Now, those are some of my favorite parts. The parts where Dr. Seuss talks about bang-ups, hang-ups, lurches and slumps all resonate now, and the turn-around confusion that leads to waiting. I love how The Waiting Place is introduced and explored. Because don't we all get confused, turned around, afraid, and end up frozen in our tracks? We know we can't go back, and we don't really want to, but we're terrified to go forward because of the "What If?s" I felt that way starting this blog, and I still feel that way each time I step further into giving my heart, time, and passion to Simplicity and Coffee. What if I fail? What if this isn't actually right for me? What if you don't like it? or me? What if you don't like me?
But, just like Dr. Seuss said, you find the courage to go on. I find my courage in Jesus and the worth He says I have, regardless of my successes, failures, or who likes me. I find courage in my husband, who loves and supports me consistently, tenaciously, and fearlessly. I find courage in my family, my friends, and even the little black-and-white dog that looks up at me with those adorable, trusting eyes. And I find courage in you, dear Reader, because I know that if I encourage you (even one of you), it was worth it.
And I hope you are encouraged, and that even though life has it's ups, downs, twists, and turns, you will keep walking and pursuing your purpose, because it's worth it, and so are you!
"You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never foget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed.) KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!"
