The Adequacy of It All

“To ourselves, we are great. Yet most of us live life without making a stand, contented to blend into the background of self-rendering nothingness, and when looking back feel contented at our mediocre accomplishments. Nobody remembers the person who conformed out of inadequacy. Nobody notices a patch of grass, they see the tree” ~Wayne Burrow

Whispering pines and a soft cool breeze brought back memories of a child of my grandfather’s place in New Mexico. The Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque are beautiful. I enjoyed visiting my grandparents and waking up in the morning to see the vast great mountains. We would travel to Santa Fe, NM and would sight see the area. Traveling we would go through the valleys and on top of the mountains; could see storms far away.

My grandfather’s house was in a valley and looking up was able to see the mountain. When we were at the top of the mountain everything was small and to locate my grandfather’s house, you would have to use binoculars to see it. He built his house with his own hands and he was a marvelous carpenter with great skills.  The valley view allowed you to see great things in the comfort of his home. He was content living in the valley and enjoyed the majestic view of the mountain. 

I don’t remember where I heard this story and not sure of the author. However, there was a rat that felt inadequate and all he wanted to do was die because he lost his self-confidence, felt weak and felt no one liked or respected him. That night he sat down and began to talk to the Creator, “Why nobody likes me, I am weak, nothing to offer, no meaning or purpose and I do not want to live anymore.”

The Creator replied back to him, “you are the strongest in this world little rat.” The rat was in awe and perplexed at His statement and asked, “but how can I be?” This started an interesting conversation between them and the Creator said, “You are stronger than the night.” Again the little rat was mystified and scratched his little furry head and asked, “Can you explain this for me please?”

Again the Creator spoke, “because when the sun rises the night disappears and this makes you stronger than the sun.” “But how can I be” questioned the rat. The Creator softly spoke, “because when it is cloudy the sun disappears and you are stronger than the cloud.” Being bewildered the rat said, “I do not understand what you are trying to say.”

The Creator responded, “Because when the wind blows the clouds move and disappear, and you are stronger than the wind.” Again, the little rat was puzzled and did not understand the logic behind the words of his Creator and responded, “But how?” The Creator answered, “Because when the wind blows, it cannot move the tower that is behind you, but you can.” The little rat snickered and thought if he was weak how can he move a tower that is 1,000 times his size and questioned the Creator, “ tell me more about how will this make me strong.”

The Creator smiled in His answer to the little rat and said, “My little friend, nor the sun, the wind, the clouds or the night can make this tower disappear. However, you, little rat you can; by simply digging in each stone, you can crack them and make the tower collapse.”

Sometimes we feel we are inadequate in what we do in life. Working in a hospital to help those who have attempted suicide has been an eye opener for me.  Sometimes, past failures or fear of the future can appear to render you useless. Yet, the Creator knows exactly why He chose you to carry out a specific purpose. Sometimes it takes others to help view the strengths you have and the difference you make in others’ lives. 

When we are in the valley we see great things, but when we are at the crest, everything appears to be small. Captivating our thoughts is crucial. Beneath the surface of it all lays a foundation, there is living in purpose, and as we sail through life, do not avoid storms and rough waters, just let it pass and just sail. Remember, calm seas never make skillful sailors. Inadequacy is only the exercise equipment of building up our skills in accomplishing more than we ever have thought about! Enjoy the crests and valleys of life and when you reach the plateau look at the journey. The mountain may be big, but it is the approach you take, which will help you accomplish much. 

By Faith (Forging Attitude In Trusting Him)