Saturday, May 29, 2004

Today, I Plodded

Today was a lot like life. I couldn't summon much energy, but I plodded on regardless: weeded the garden, cut the grass, trimmed to grass, got the patio furniture out, washed an outside window, barbequed supper, and went for a post-supper walk (for the benefit of my health). I just did it: kept putting one foot in front of the other, stumbling wearily from one task to the next. When I tally it up, by employing certain amount of willpower and a modicum of determination, I accomplished a lot despite my lassitude.

Today was a lot like life. I am a plodder. No great talents here, but I plod onward, trying my hand at this thing and that thing: often achieving competence but never reaching the giddy heights of brilliance.

Truth be told, I'm a tiny bit proud of being a plodder. I think that it means that I have fortitude and determination: that I am willing to forge ahead, to try to be the best that I can be.

I sometimes wonder what it would be like to think with the brain of a genius, to move with the grace of a dancer, to run with the speed and endurance of the gifted athlete. If I could choose one true gift to possess, really possess, it would probably be to sing: to sing well enough to entertain, enthrall and evoke. But none of those things are to be my lot in life, and I must try to appreciate these great gifts in others and the small gifts that are mine.

1 comment:

Tom Kufahl said...

Today you posted on my log and I should like to do the same for you. I'm rather thinking that you are talking about a plodding day, but looking around here, I'm not so sure you're describing your life. It's looking to me that you've accomplished much more than the general populace (not that you really have to) to be where you are. Also, I'm thinking its wondrous to be working in the garden. I lived in Chicago for 30 years and find it most thrilling to have my own flowers and landscaping. I love it! I didn't read your post on pictures, but I just monkeyed and guessed and somehow got there. After doing it a few times I've got it down. Pictures seem to help, I think.