Recently, I've come to realize that the boundaries of the world expand as one gets older. When you're a child, a limited sphere of culture and events comprises your entire understanding of life. You know your mom, and you know your dad, and you've met your uncle once or twice and you know him. You've also been to school a time or two when your older brother had to be dropped off and have a slight grasp as to how the institution works. But you've never read an Argentinian novel, or heard a Japanese jazz tune, or seen a BBC drama. Your experiences haven't spread that far yet. But they will, and before you know it you'll have read that play about a king from Denmark and watched that European soccer game.
What I've found though is that no matter how hard you try, you'll never experience it all. It's not possible. So, should you not even try? I've attempted to find a solution to this question and have therefore assumed the position of the eager and over-soaked sponge. The world is a massive ocean and I am the humble household sponge that tries to hold it all within its pores. But when the sponge is taken out of the water, it can't contain all the information and memories for very long. It was certainly easier when I was younger and the ocean was only a glass of water, but now the world is a much bigger place and I don't have a prayer when it comes to remembering 10% of what I do daily. I'm okay with that though because it beats the alternative. The sponge is made for one thing and to deny it of its serviceability is cruel. Therefore, I will strive to fail, and continue to soak in the most of life as time will condone.
Sincerely yours,
The Over-Soaked Sponge
This made me laugh and also made me go, "Huh" and "hmm" in the thinking way.
ReplyDeleteThe last line especially is bangarang.
I wonder: is the desire to contain, or simply experience? As hard as it's been for me in the past to realize that certain people/places/experiences only last for a season, it's also been liberating. There's that much more freedom to swim into the next sea, open hearted, ready for more and thankful for what has been. There's a poem by Wendell Berry that reminds me of what you wrote. You can find it here:
www.scribd.com/mobile/doc/122618221
Thanks for making me think, and for being an eager (over saturated) sponge.
15/15
Oh Keaton, it always blows my mind how much you choose to soak up. You can pretty much do anything you set your heart on. God has truly blessed you; you are the servant entrusted with five talents, and God knows that you are not squandering them. You could be a Doctor Who understands the complexities of the human mind, or a musician, or a soccer player... The list goes on :) I guess what I'm trying to say is, just keep on absorbing life, and don't forget to use your knowledge and experiences to the glory of The Lord. This was an excellent post.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, Keaton I have to start off by saying I love you man. I have known you for over ten years and you definitely are the "Over-Soaked Sponge", but this is why you are a class leader. In addition, this quality of yours is what everyone loves about you. It makes you easier to talk to because you have experienced, or "soaked", up so many things you can literally help people with anything they are having a hard time with. Overall, I enjoyed reading this because you were so dead on and sometimes I too feel like the "Over-Soaked Sponge".
ReplyDeleteKeaton, you are so stinking smart and I love you to death! At times I am jealous of how smart you are. Your analogy of the sponge is very relatable to you and you have been blessed with such an amazing brain! I know sometime you don't want to remember things, but in the end that is how you learn and keep yourself from making stupid mistakes others have previously made. God blessed you with the gift of knowledge and he will use that to your advantage in life. Just remember we all love you and are here to back you up 100% (at least I am). Love ya step-brother. Don't forget that you are special and will go places due to that brain of yours. :)
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