Fork in the Road

"If you come to a fork in the road, take it." - Yogi Berra

On the surface, the above quote is amusing. I take it to mean in life, when we come to a decision point in life, make a decision and move on. For those that know me, making a decision can be a hard thing for me. I am notorious for having a difficult time making a decision.

Each of us come to these decision points in life.

We stand still, evaluating, trying to decide which way to go. We spend a lot of time trying to decide, but never actually making the decision. Do not misunderstand me, we need to make a well thought out decision where possible. Yet sometimes we get lost in the evaluation, wasting time that can be better spent on the journey. When you reach this 'fork in the road' life decision, go ahead and examine the paths before you.

Don't waste your life constantly evaluating.

If you can not make a choice, then 'pick up the fork' and go down either path. You will learn from what lay ahead and you can adjust. I have described this in different ways to describe moving on in life. In my book CHANGED LIVES, the idea is to step through an open door and move on to greater things. Other ways are removing the things which hold you back such as 'rocks in a wagon' you are pulling. Or maybe you have read where I simply say that 'movement causes changes', so don't stand still, move.

You simply need to keep moving forward.

Which ever method works, just keep moving. Lewis Carroll said, "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.” Life is a journey and many different paths exist for us to take. Standing still does not slow the journey down, life keeps happening. Standing still will only dull your view of life. Keep enjoying the ever-changing view that moving along life's paths provide.

Pick up the fork and keep moving.

Stay inspired my friends!

Keep Your Fork

"When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile." -Unknown

There is a story I heard not long ago regarding a young woman diagnosed with a terminal illness. She had not been given much time left to live and felt it very important to get things in order. So she contacted her Pastor to come discuss various aspects of her final wishes.

There were all of the usual things regarding song she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. When everything was in order and the Pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman remembered something very important to her.

She said excitedly "I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand." The Pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. In response to his puzzled look, she explained. "My grand mother once told me this story, and from that time on I have always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socials and dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming...like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!"

She went on to say, "So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you to tell them: 'Keep your fork....the best is yet to come."

By telling this story, you do not need to be on death's door to understand the meaning. Whatever circumstance you are in, things will get better, the best is yet to come.

So stay inspired my friends and keep a fork in your hand.