Bit by Bit - Chapter 19, Part 11

Trey Smith

Confucius has said, "Don't go in and hide; don't come out and shine; stand stock-still in the middle." He who can follow these three rules is sure to be called the finest. When people are setting out on a dangerous road, if they hear that one traveler in a party of ten has been murdered, then fathers and sons, elder and younger brothers will warn each other to be careful and will not venture out until they have a large escort of armed men. That's wise of them, isn't it? But when it comes to what people really ought to be worried about - the time when they are lying in bed or sitting around eating and drinking - then they don't have sense enough to take warning. That's a mistake!"
~ Burton Watson translation ~

Life itself is a perilous adventure. We never know when good favor will slap us in the face or calamity looms around the next corner. Often, when we least expect it, major life events grab us by the throat and seem as if they won't let go.

Several years ago Della and I were involved in a serious automobile accident. It happened on a nondescript road along a rural stretch of highway. One minute we were talking and laughing; the next minute everything changed. One minute we were talking about a state park we were trying to find; the next minute Della was in utter agony with a broken leg in two places and, though I was uninjured, to stay I was shaken up would be the understatement of the year!

To view the Index page for this series, go here.