This and That

Walking on the beach, I was surrounded by this and that. On my left were houses built in a variety of styles, all of which cost more than I could ever afford. On my right was the ocean with waves breaking rhythmically and birds swooping in search of breakfast. Walking with this on my left and that on my right, I realized how often I try to navigate between the two even when far from the beach.

I’ve always had a thing for houses. From the days when I was young enough to build forts, I have always sought the safety and security of spaces. That love has continued, and I have no doubt, like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, it’s tied into my perpetual longing for home. My search has led me to many places and caused me to look for “home” in worldly ways - people, places, and things. If I didn’t know better, I would spend my whole life looking to my left, searching for something to buy to make me feel complete.

But I do know better.

To my right lies all I need to feel complete. It’s there waiting, for free, for me and for all of us. All we need do is turn our attention in its direction, look from the left to the right, open our eyes, ears, and hearts to what’s right beside us. Whether it’s a crashing wave or mountain stream, beckoning sunrise or inspirational sunset, birds singing or friends gathered, we’re given all we could hope for, all we need to feel complete. The trick is looking in the right direction.