Tales From The Toybox

Possibilities

pos·si·bil·i·ty        (pŏs’ə-bĭl’ĭ-tē)  Pronunciation Key 
n.   pl. pos·si·bil·i·ties

1.                Capable of happening, existing, or being true without contradicting proven facts, laws, or circumstances.

2.               Capable of occurring or being done without offense to character, nature, or custom.

3.               Capable of favorable development; potential: a possible site for the new capital.

4.               Of uncertain likelihood.

It occurred to me today how much time we humans waste contemplating possibilities. I mean, think about it. Possibilities are intertwined in every aspect of our lives. Jesus tells us in Matthew 19 that, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” This doesn’t leave any room for possibilities because seriously, who do you know that is small enough to fit through the eye of a needle? Yet he follows that statement in Matthew 19:26 with, “ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”  Did you catch that part? “ALL” things are possible with God.

So knowing that, if we are not careful we can allow our minds to wander and worry at such a rapid pace that we start to question everything. For example: It’s possible it may rain today. Should I bring my umbrella? Should I make arrangements to pick Noah up from school today instead of having him walk? Did I roll my windows up? Or, It’s possible my new desk my actually arrive at my office today and I can finally unpack. Will I have time to finish my work? What if my computer didn’t get set up right? Do I have enough time to search for files and folders during my short 4-hour day? The possibilities can drive you crazy if you let them.

And some possibilities are bigger than others. Life changing even: It’s possible we may win the lottery! It’s not likely, but it IS possible! Can you imagine the change THAT would bring? It’s possible I may be pregnant again. That was more of last month’s worry than this J but no matter how careful we are, it is STILL possible. Can you imagine another noise-making, diaper-needing, mouth-feeding individual in this house? THAT would be life-changing.

Some possibilities are confusing. It’s possible that this person I’ve known for so long is not who I thought he was. It’s possible that even though she normally lies about everything, she’s actually telling the truth this time (or not). It’s possible that he won’t do what he said he’d do. It’s possible the results won’t be what I hoped. These possibilities can bring worry, resentment, and anger if we let them. When we encounter these possibilities we need to stop dead in our tracks and shift gears. These are the possibilities that can bring us down, damage relationships, and destroy our hope.

Some possibilities are exciting. For those of you who remember the “Farmer in the Dell,” that possibility is once again alive and well. We’re not banking on it, but we can hope and dream. It’s completely possible. Kayley’s select team has had scouts at their last two tournaments. It’s possible she will earn a volleyball scholarship for college. As long as we are able to keep things in perspective, some possibilities can add passion to our lives. Those are the possibilities that keep us living and breathing each day.

I know none of this really means anything. It’s not some new discovery that will enlighten the world. Maybe I’m just slow and everyone else has already thought of all this. I guess what it all boils down to is that our lives are greatly impacted by the way we perceive the constant possibilities around us. We can be afraid of them and spend our time worrying, we can be mad at them and spend our time bitter, or we can embrace them and welcome whatever outcome they bring. I guess that’s my lesson learned for the day: Realize that possibilities are endless and for the most part out of my control so stop worrying, stop analyzing and PRESS ON!