purposeful mosaic

5. December 2006 by David Alexander.

I recall as a youth (some would argue I’m still there), looking through a kaleidoscope. With every twist, I was mesmerized by the multi-colored shapes that would assemble resembling something from a 70’s psychedelic Rorshack (sp?) test. Even now, I think I hear “In-a-gadda da vida” playing in the background. Self awareness (maybe spiritual awakening) brings discovery. Awareness of design, discovery of the designer. A designer who does nothing by chance or coincidence and thereby discovering purpose.
I am a Texan. I am third generation Native American. I was raised in Mexico from a fairly young age. I dream in Spanish. I have purposefully and accidentally developed good and bad habits from two cultures I know quite a bit about. Although, I understand anglo saxons even less than I understand women. That’s pretty bad considering I am considered to be anglo and am permanently married to a woman. I am a walking kaleidoscope of thought, being, and personality.
As a third culture kid, I have moved around a bit. Not unlike some pk’s or military brats, one of the prevailing slogans of my life has become “Wherever I go, there I am … and home is wherever I happen to be.” Exploring my past, where God has allowed me to travel, it certainly has the mark of a twisting kaleidoscope. But unlike the child’s toy, the pattern life, although obscure to some, shows purpose. Each pattern carefully woven because it leads to patterns to come. Every twist of every moment building on the past, preparing for whatever may come, a marvel of shape and color to be presently enjoyed without remorse or expectation; all that it is, nothing more, definitely nothing less.
The challenge with purpose is the possibility of unfulfillment or chasing rabbits. The advantage is filtering activity without remorse. Focus. Time to do desired things and less energy spent on other’s agendas. Challenge of finding balance, not Bon Jovi’s “It’s my life” or Ricky Martin’s “vida loca”, not monasteric devotion. Much in harmony with Eldridge’s “wild at heart” or Sweet’s “Magna carta”.
It is a journey, a part to play - albeit for 15 minutes or several decades.

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone, And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet
And whither then? I cannot say.— J. R. R. Tolkien

It will be fun to find out. Awakened, aware, discovering, fulfilling, living the epic.

“…I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and my soul knows it very well…”

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