Closer to the By and By
I have always been a deep thinker. Too deep. I believe I would have made a great subject for Rodin. As I have gained more wisdom, received some bumps and bruises, my thinking has started to lighten up. In the past, I have drilled down trying to intellectualize my way to the answer, only to find that sometimes an incredible hole is made but the answer itself remains elusive.
I recently listened to an old song I have always loved. The song "Closer to Fine" by the Indigo Girls is an anthem of self-discovery and ultimately acceptance. The song's lyrics delve into the speaker's journey of seeking answers and meaning in life, only to find that sometimes acceptance and contentment come from embracing the unknown. See these lyrics:
And the less I seek my source for some definitive
(The less I seek my source)
Closer I am to fine, yeah
Closer I am to fine, yeah
Indeed, it seems sometimes the less we try to get definite answers, the closer we are to being at peace. Sometimes life is part mystery. Wisdom is teaching me being comfortable with this mystery is a must for true peace. Just asked the Buddhist, they have been screaming this for way over 2000 years!
Chris Stapleton's song “Broken Halos” also deals with acceptance of the unknown. It reflects themes of resilience, trust, and faith when confusion surrounds us. How can we find beauty amidst life’s imperfection? Consider these lyrics from Stapleton:
Don't go looking
For the reasons
Don't go asking
Jesus why?
We're not meant to know the answers
They belong to the by and by
They belong to the by and by
Yes, the by and by. The mystery, the unknown, the hidden. This has caused man much grief from the beginning of time. So, when the answers belong to the “by and by”, what are we to do? This is when belief and trust in your higher power comes into play.
The bottom line is no matter how far humanity advances in science and how much knowledge we accumulate, there will always be aspects of life that remain mysterious and beyond our understanding. It's in these moments of unknowing that faith, trust, and acceptance become paramount.
Ultimately, whether through music, spirituality, or personal reflection, finding a sense of connection to something greater than us can help us navigate the uncertainties of life and find beauty among the chaos.