The Power of the Edge

Photo by www.openphoto.net

Sometimes in life the unexpected happens. Like a highway line drawn on a map, the life path meanders along twisting and turning across the map until it runs right up to the edge. It is at the edge where we find the unexpected. We expect the twists and turns along the way. We know that there will be times that we will have to struggle up hills and times when we will coast down the other side. But as we come up to the edge of the map, uncertainty hits us. At this point, when we have reached the edge, when we no longer know what the next step is, that is precisely when we have to make a choice.

Do nothing.

We can make the decision to just sit out. Sitting out reduces the level of risk, nearly eliminating the chance of something unpleasant happening. But, we also run the risk of missing out on something wonderful.

Turn back.

Reaching the end of the line can be a frightening experience.  Rather than trying to find out what is up ahead, turning around and retracing our steps may seem like a safe plan, even if it means returning to past hurts. Sometimes a past hurt feels safer than the unknown. Sometimes it is safer.

Keep moving forward.

Choosing to keep moving forward may be the scariest option of all, but has the potential to produce the greatest opportunities. Taking a chance and risking stepping off the edge of the map into the unknown is a daunting experience. While moving forward can be risky, it can reveal a whole new world of possibilities.

All of these choices are truly valid responses to the unknown. But sometimes, taking the risk and moving forward into the unknown, having faith in possibility of joy, is the right decision. So, when you find yourself at the edge of the map, what will you do?