Main | The Art of Creation »

On the Edge

"Sometimes when you think you are done, it is just the edge of beginning."

Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones

My dad told very few stories during our childhood, but one of my favorites went like this:

A wealthy Frenchman (all Dad's stories were set in France where he grew up) lived in a mansion at the top of a mountain. Needing to hire a new driver, he scheduled an interview with the three best chauffers in the province.

"The road to my villa is steep and narrow." he said to the first. "How close can you drive to the edge of the road without going over?"

"Monsieur, je puis conduire sans risque a moins de douze centimetres par le bord," the driver replied.

I think this is actually why Dad told the stories—so he could throw in his little-used but still perfect forgeign language skills. But since he never taught us a word of French, he explained that the first driver could drive safely within about six inches of the edge.

Given the same question, the second driver bragged that he could easily drive within three inches of the edge, and had done so on many occasions.

The third driver looked a little sheepish (Dad loved that word) at this point but the man encouraged him to give his answer.

"I am sorry, Monsieur, but I don't know how close I can drive to the edge. I have never tried to get close."

"Then you are my new driver," the wealthy man announced.

I always thought the story had something more to do with Dad's outlook on life than it did with driver's ed. While he was an accomplished electronic engineer, he certainly preferred the safe, risk-free, and well-trodden paths when given the choice.

I've been feeling lately that I need to re-examine some of my assumptions and look for places where fear of failure or lack of faith has kept me from living the life that God wants. At the same time, I think my dad understood something that gets missed in our attention-deficit culture. He knew how to go deep. He knew how to focus and dig and learn the intricacies and nuances, not just the quick-start instructions to life.

I need to be willing to push on the edges and explore new directions. But maybe more than that, I need to get past the free-trial stage and fully embrace things that are right in front of me; bypass the timid introductions and welcome relationships that are real and transparent; stop loitering on the outskirts and get to know God in a deeper way than ever before.

I like the edge as much as the next guy, but sometimes the center gets an undeserved bad rap.

Read His, Read Hers
Read the Fallible take on this quote...

November 27, 2004 | Permalink

Comments

Doug--Welcome to blogging! I promise you, this is going to be fun...

Posted by: Katy on Dec 11, 2004 5:56:00 PM

Marginal

Katy told me that I had to come here and make a comment.

...Comment.

Welcome to the blogosphere. (awesome design)

Take Care
Michael

Posted by: Michael on Dec 11, 2004 5:58:39 PM

Michael: Thanks!
I do what Katy says as well. ;)

Posted by: Doug on Dec 11, 2004 6:00:28 PM

Doug...Welcome to blogging! Love your site, love your first blog! What a great idea to have the his/her comments. Hope you have your own posts, too. :)

Posted by: Bridget on Dec 11, 2004 6:01:37 PM

I was confused at first...well actually I'm still confused. Katy banished you to your own blog? Isn't that like being committed to an asylum of your own making?

Then again...I suppose that's true for most of us.

Very nice look. I couldn't figure out how to get past the opening page. Maybe I missed something.

Are you only allowed to post in response to Katy?

Surely I missed something... it did make me wonder if you guys role play?

Wicked Wardeness..naughty inmate...

Forget I said that...I'm sure your kids are now all going "ewww".

It's very nice..

Posted by: Michael on Dec 11, 2004 6:02:48 PM

Bridget: Thanks for the encouragement! I just hope I have any more posts.

Michael: I've been banished before, but not to a blog. We plan to agree on quotes as a common starting point, but then not discuss or compare notes until we have each written. You prolific bloggers are a great encouragement to a newbee!

Posted by: Doug on Dec 11, 2004 6:03:27 PM

Great blog, Doug! I've been a fan of your wife's blog ever since I discovered it, and now I'm adding you to my blogroll as well.

Posted by: Cindy on Dec 11, 2004 6:04:26 PM

Hey Doug,

Great story.......I don't remember Dad telling that one - all I ever remember is his one joke about stranded guy who was rescued??? Anyway, your blog looks great. I love you guys much!

Posted by: Nancy on Dec 11, 2004 6:06:55 PM

Hi there and great blog! I'm impressed--really. Would like to add you and Infallible to my blog roll....stop by and visit anytime. Keep up the great writing!

Posted by: Vicki on Dec 27, 2004 12:48:12 PM


 Post a marginal comment...
  
  
 

  
    
   
 

[Back to Top]