Wednesday, January 4, 2012

How's Your Tank Filling Up?

I spent a few minutes on New Year's Day to contemplate my days past and days to come while looking at the somber dry grass in my winter front lawn. It occurred to me that inside each of us there must be some sort of a tank which holds the knowledge and experiences we've accumulated over the years, and which governs our current way of living.

A young person doesn't have much in his tank, so he has to draw guidance from somewhere else, trying different philosophies and viewpoints for size. Like a ship without cargo, he still has to find his own balance.

With maturity, a man's tank is full enough to have a settling effect on him, but there's still room for acquiring more wisdom. Like a ship with enough freight in its hold, he sails the oceans with joy and confidence; yet with an open attitude he is also likely to gain new ideas and get to see new shores.

Well, it sounds very nice and all, except that it only works if we accumulate the right kind of material in our tanks. For many people, throughout their life, collect no gold dust but only useless dirt.

So, how's your tank filling up?

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Small Morning Hour

It was well past midnight when we pulled into a gas station, which against the surrounding pitch-black nightscape appeared warmly inviting like some sort of home.

At this small hour there was less light, less noise, less activities. Yet whatever remaining seemed magnified; lights seemed brighter, sound sharper, even the gas smelt stronger.

In the refreshment area, the aroma of coffee and newly baked donuts felt immensely enticing. A few customers looked up, watching us curiously. I nodded at them, wondering who they were and what circumstances had led them here, away from home at this hour. At a busier time, in a public place like this one, nobody would have paid attention to anybody for sure.

Now I understand why they say less is more, I thought. With less distraction my senses actually picked up who and what around me with more clarity, making them more interesting. We sat down by a window, coffee in hand. The darkness outside seemed like a big unknown which we would soon venture into.

Not a bad way to start this new year. All I have to do is to get rid of noises from my life and carry only those things that matter into the uncharted territory of the days to come. A titillating sensation was creeping up my spine, and to the puzzlement of my companion I smiled happily.