Thursday, August 30, 2007

Flying In a Straight Line

If we imagine running a track race as a metaphor for our lives, what could we learn from the picture on the left? A casual examination shows men between the ages of 55 and 59 trying with some willful might to arrive at a finish line before the other. Ironic isn’t it that in life we so often hope to reaches our life’s finish line later than sooner?

A closer examination reveals a finer point to me. On the left is the eventual winner of this race, my aforementioned friend Bill Collins. He hasn’t been beaten in many years, still the rest of us manage to imagine that someday, if the wind blows right and God has a sense of humor………….

Notice Bill’s face. He is focused on the track in front of him. There is no distraction from his immediate mission. This is a cardinal rule of the sprinter and the advice of sprint coaches everywhere. There is no one to beat in the race. There is only the lane in front of you. You can do nothing about another person’s race. You control your lane, your effort and the mission is to find yourself at the finish as expeditiously as…well, as fast as you can deliver you.

Look now at my face. I am on the far right in the black sleeveless shirt, shaved head. My eyes are drifting across the field of runners in mid-race. It is a sprinter technical mistake. I am attempting to diagnose my present position, mid race, based on the positioning of others.

If we can transport this track lesson to a larger picture, that is to make it into a wide screen, high definition lesson for all of life, what we conclude?

Isn’t it all so easy to be distracted by what others might own that we do not own. How many of us dwell on the money earned per year by our friends and colleagues, wondering why we are not earning the same? Maybe we think our friends are far more talented and skillful. Maybe we think they are much prettier or more articulate and generous.

This is the life lesson equivalent of mistakenly viewing life outside the lane we are given to run in. Can we really control the person alongside us? Do we wish to do so for the wrong reasons?

If I could find a way to wake each morning and see my life as having a lane that belongs to me and to no one else; and that what I do in that lane of my own accord and initiative is all that matters when the finish line is at hand, would I draw nearer to being complete?

My mother used to say in exasperation that I should ‘straighten up and fly right”, I am officially revising it to “Straighten up and fly straight, and do it in your own lane, eyes ahead on the mission in front.” It's more wordy I suppose, but it will make me a better friend to all, and I think it will make a more complete Seven as well.

I’m going to Italy for the “World Championships of older men racing one another” this Monday. I’m dreading the 9 hour portion of the flight a little, but maybe the flight will be conducted from Houston to Paris in a straight line, just for me?

Reporting from my lane, your friend,

Seven

7 comments:

Enemy of the Republic said...

You're back!

Jenn said...

So true. Life is funny that way...the lessons just keep a comin'.

Good luck in Italy. And to ponder on your flight....I just returned from the Oregon coast and sitting next to me was a young woman...around 25...who was terrified of flying. It was a visible fear. So I talked to her...thinking it would help. It did.

But what I learned during the conversation was that she is a skydiver. Seriously.

Go figure.

(blinders maybe?)

kathi said...

Classic lesson. Keep your eyes on your own prize and not what others are after.

Reach said...

Seven,
I wish you well in Italy and even though they are not in the race, I hope your lane will find many sights of interest.

Concerning your race and viewing other lanes, I must ask the simple question- "Is landing the First really that important as to watch the race while in participation?"

As for your flight-, I hope the pilot does not take a straight route, as Italy will have moved when you arrive. I do not wish to seem the bore; however, the aircraft flown to the physical location Italy will be at arrival- due to the rotation and circumference of the earth. A straight line will take you west, behind Italy, which may make for a nice swim- if that makes sense.

BTW- Hello

Be Safe,

Reach

Lynilu said...

Well, hi, darlin'! I've missed you.

And your reasoning applies well in many areas/fields. I've found myself digressing from my chosen and hopefully wisest course recently. It is interesting that just a couple days ago I reminded myself to keep my nose pointed where I want to go and not allow myself to be disengaged from the chosen path. I have some clean up to do, but I will be back on my happy journey again within a couple days.

You are so wise. Especially when you agree with me! :)

Good luck and winged heels, my friend. I'll keep you and your chosen challenge in my meditations and heart.

Mayden' s Voyage said...

I have lots of catching up to do!
:)
maydensvoyage@hotmail.com

don't know if you still want it/need it- but here it is~
Good to see you!

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work.