My step dad told me once that change typically happens in bursts--very quickly--rather than gradually like most people think. I've thought about that a lot and have since seen some dramatic bursts of change in my life and others lives. Its amazing to think that someone can wake up one morning and really commit to being different and stick with it. Change takes real power, real dedication.
The other night I thought about this again when Dave and I went with some friends to the Jewel concert. I've always liked Jewel. I like that she writes her own music and lyrics. I like that she seems somewhat unchanged by her stardom and I like that she has never fixed her teeth. Anyway, it was a great concert. She played for several hours, just her on the stage with a guitar. She told the story of the song "Hands", which she wrote when she was 18 years old, homeless and really having a difficult year physically and emotionally. She said she has started stealing from stores and was justifying it to herself somehow, like the establishment owed it to her. Then, one day, she saw a sun dress she wanted and thought about stealing it, but then changed her mind. She decided she didn't want to be "that person".
She went on to write "Hands" and so many other songs in her 18th year--songs that she later built her career on. It is amazing how pivotal that year was for her. It was the worst year of her life but the catalyst for so much rapid change.
I guess this is on my mind right now, because things seem pretty bleak in the world right now. We really do need change and rapid change and the crazy thing is despite it all, I am an optimist and think that it could actually happen. We could wake up one morning and be different--more fiscally responsible, more conscious of others, more supportive of people with different backgrounds and beliefs, more willing to be an example. Or in the words of Jewel:
If I could tell the world just one thing
It would be that we're all OK
And not to worry 'cause worry is wasteful
And useless in times like these
I won't be made useless
I won't be idle with despair
I will gather myself around my faith
For light does the darkness most fear
My hands are small, I know
But they're not yours, they are my own
But they're not yours, they are my own
And I am never broken
THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS 2019
6 years ago
9 comments:
How awesome that you got to go to the Jewel concert--I LOVE her (and for all the same reasons you do)! I'm also happy that she finally married her boyfriend. :)
I have always had a little soft spot for jewel but I never really knew why, now I do. I remember one night I prayed fro change in my life and lets just say I won't be doing that any time soon. The word change really is just another word for growth and growth is just another word for trials. So when you ask for change in your life get ready. I love the way the you think Tara.
the last post is from Lindsey Smith, sorry.
Change can be an amazing thing. It is both gradual and instantaneous. I've found myself wishing for change for what seems like a decade, and then there it is. That one catalyst that throws you in a completely different direction. So I agree with your step dad. I think the wanting change or knowing you need it is a gradual preparation for the burst that makes it happen.
That is a great way to look at it!!
Looks like you are going to be having some changes in you home soon, too!
We like Jewel too, it's cool to have legit musicians out there that sing about real life and do their own work at the same time! Hope you guys are well!
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