Life Of Spinning Plates

“There are those of us who are always about to live. We are waiting until things change, until there is more time, until we are less tired, until we get a promotion, until we settle down / until, until, until. It always seems as if there is some major event that must occur in our lives before we begin living.” - George Sheehan

So it was on this particular day that he had spent time awaiting for the door to open. He always felt good by seeing the light of change shine through the opening. If only for a short time, he was recharged by being so close to possibility but never did he move towards the open door. Why did he not have the courage to change he asked himself.

A family, home and great job that he worked at feverishly. The all consuming job that he devoted so much time and energy to. The results of which provided for his family in ways that wouldn't have been possible had he not worked so hard. Everyday he would put in ten to twelve hours, staying ahead of work demands. Slowly earning more and being an integral part of the work place.

As he thought to himself about work, he kept trying to think exactly what it was his family was doing that week. I have to stay focused he said to himself in a hushed tone. Too much work to keep up with, have to stay ahead of the curve. Yet something kept nagging him, about his life, about his home and family. Where had all of the time gone?

As the open door of change closed and the dull flourescent light of the room returned, he started for the path. As he walked along the unpaved path, a few stones scattered to the sides an overwhelming feeling of loss began to overcome him. The work weighed heavily upon him but he headed for home. Home, so many unfinished projects greeted him when entering the front door.

The back deck sitting partially completed awaiting those finishing touches. An unrepaired ceiling joint and a broken window to replace were but a few of the items on what seemed a mounting list. Where were his children, his wife and the hum of excitement that he was home. None of them were there. Most days the only excitement they actually had was that he really did come home from work.

Where had all of the time gone? A list of unfinished projects and an even bigger list of failed attention to his family. But work, the work is important he thought. How else could he provide for his family and complete all that needed to be done. Like an old Ed Sullivan Show act of Spinning Plates. The performer had to keep running from one end to another keeping all of the plates spinning.

His life was like that, always running to keep the different areas of his life going. Long days at the office, rushing to get home for a school function or meeting with his wife and friends. Try to get some work done on a home project and do that volunteer stuff at the church. Running and never seeming to get ahead of the wobbling plates. It could be that his life wasn't all that bad but perception is in the eye of the beholder. Why couldn't people just understand how difficult his life was? Why couldn't people just be more helpful?

He was about to find out just how difficult life was going to become as he walked through his home. This was the beginning of change. Movement was happening and it was pulling him with it. The plates began to tumble to the floor with a resounding crash.