Shattered

Somehow, I was lucky enough to receive the gift of Grandma Sperry's antique chairs with the handmade seat covers carefully darned into the figure of flower bouquets. I believe I remember her completing these and naturally cherished them, perhaps to obsession. "Don't let dad see you sitting in one of them," was a phrase unspoken yet followed in our home. The chairs where to be seen and treasured...not used.

Then one day we had a big party at the house. I went to get pizzas to help feed our guests. Meanwhile the large group of youngsters began a game where the group raced to quickly change chairs. We were literally using every chair in the house. Nobody wanted to be IT left standing. 

So in the heat of the moment, two youngsters converged on a particular chair at the very same time and to their surprise, it exploded. The chair splintered into a million pieces.

Yes it was grandma's antique chair. Here's where the meaning starts... 

I have always admired those who could make something incredible from the ordinary. Whether that miracle happened on a piece of canvas, or finely crafted architecture, or the exquisite realization of a dream.

Michelangelo's David was hewn from a piece of rock. His famous Pieta was etched in marble. It reminds me of something Michelangelo said about sculpting. He didn't add things. He just removed the parts that weren't supposed to be there.

Some people can see more from life than the obvious. In the midst of challenges, they see opportunity and fulfillment. Rapture is a decision.

Joy is found in the struggle.

Dreams are not shattered unless evaded.

Dream it. Wish it. Do it.