"What exactly did I accomplish?"
It's a hard question to answer when you've been on autopilot, as humans are prone to do. Curiously enough, I find that when I'm on autopilot, it's often because I've been doing things that I find enjoyable.
Running a familiar route.
Watching a movie.
Getting up. Going to work. Coming home. (x5)
I wouldn't say that autopilot is morally wrong. And--enjoying life certainly isn't wrong (if I couldn't watch Andy Griffith re-runs, I'm not sure life would be worth living). All the same, I do worry that living life on autopilot causes us to have tunnel vision.
Tunnel vision?
Tunnel vision.
Why take that left turn on that dirt road, when going straight means I'll finish my run in exactly thirty minutes?
Why risk interruptions by reading a book to the family, when watching a movie would keep everyone easily entertained?
Why switch jobs, when I'm "guaranteed" to retire early if I just get up, go to work, and come home every day for the next thirty years?
"But Daniel," you say. "Isn't adventure enjoyable too?"
Most definitely. But see--we often live by the saying that "one in the hand is worth two in the bush." You already have a grouse in hand. That nice, comfortable, autopilot routine. Why risk upsetting the canoe in search of that extra bit of meat?
Many people don't see why they should do such a thing, and go home and cook that bird over a spit. A few people dive into the bushes. Some catch the bird. Some lose the bird they had in the pursuit. All come home with grass stains. But here's the clincher...
...maybe the joy is in the pursuit.
Until next time,
- Daniel
Good thoughts to ponder. :) Here's a few more. I agree that there is joy in the pursuit and man was certainly made to pursue. However, man was not made to pursue adrenaline. This I think is quite often the subconscious if not the blatant cause of many a bird bush whacking trail. Stretching beyond ourselves is quite beneficial and stagnant complacency definitely to be avoided, but there's something to be said for being happy with what you have, working with your hands, and pursuing peace. Through out the Bible the pursuit of peace by love has been the creed. Especially in modern day America or even the 15 min wake-up-and-out-the-door routine of a lazy perfectionist (raises hand), we feed on the entertainment and adrenaline jolt of NOT seeking peace. Actually, this quality of peace seeking used to be described by a now unpopular word: Steady. Good quality.
ReplyDelete