Anything Can Be

7 Aug

“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts.
Listen to the shouldn’ts, the impossibles, the won’ts.
Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me…
Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
~ Shel Silverstein

We live in caution and in fear.  There are many things in our lives that make us frightened.  There are many experiences that we have had that make us leery of further interactions.  I think back to all the basic lessons that I have ever had.  They all began with warnings.

When we first went to school, we were warned what not to do.  When we learned to drive, we had to memorize all the warning signs and recognize them immediately by shape and color.  When we began new jobs, our orientations often began with gory accounts of what could go wrong if we did not follow procedures.

All of those warnings were essential, yes.  They all were designed to keep us safe.  However, being bombarded with warning upon warning can also serve to immobilize people.  They become so frightened of the possibilities that they do not engage in the activity.  I have a couple of friends, for example, that will not swim in the ocean.  They are excellent swimmers and they know all the warning signs.  Yet, they are so frightened of riptides that they will not go into the water at all.

We need to know the warnings and we need to heed the warnings.  At the same time, we need to go about our lives and do what needs to be done.  Because, as Shel Silverstein reminds us, “Anything can happen, child.  Anything can be.”  We are God’s children.  He whispers that into our ears every day.  Anything can happen.  Anything can be.  All we need to do is place our faith and trust in God and step out in faith.

There may be dangers around us and there may be people warning us about what we are about to do.  Yet, if we step out in faith, confident that God is calling us, God will provide — either in this life or in the life to come.  We need to remember this very important point: we are not interested in what this world has to offer.  We are only interested in the world to come.  Dangers abound in this world.  Take heed and proceed with a prudent amount of caution.  At the same time, know that God is walking with you.  “Anything can happen, child.  Anything can be.”

FAITH ACTION:  Do not let yourself be stopped by the negativity of those around you.  Instead, show others what is possible if one does the will of God.