Writing Again, and Recapuring the Sense of Urgency

I’ve taken a hiatus from writing. This is due in part to adapting to a new life as a practicing lawyer where I was handed in excess of 400 active cases (now down to 280 but still about 130 more than a attorney in my position should have). It is also due in part to Ecclesiastes, for me a haunting book that has been at the fore of my mind for as long as I can recall. Anyone who goes about the task of writing should come to the task with the greatest sense of humility for at least four reasons: 1) it has already been said before in one form or fashion, 2) it is probably not as important as you would like to think it is, 3) the vast majority of the general public also believes that what you write is not new and is not important, and 4) between the time that one could spend writing or doing some other constructive act, it is highly questionable that writing is the preferable course. So there it is, and yet, here I am, writing you.

There are several subjects that I started with this blog that as time permits, I will attempt to pick up again and push along to some form of a sensible conclusion. That isn’t happening today. On most days, like today, I want to share just one thought that I was thinking about recently. Yesterday, I hiked a series of peaks along a trail in Pisgah National Forest outside of Asheville, NC. It is a trail I’ve done dozens of times, and each time, it has always been a source of thought and inspiration for me. On this occasion what stood at the center of my thoughts was the realization that death is imminent, and that life has purpose. More specifically, it is very important to put ourselves in situations and experiences so that we have constant reminders of these two truths: death will come to us all and soon, and each of us has purpose to fulfill in our brief time here.

In 2004, I was on this same trail hiking with my yellow lab, Blue, when unbeknownst to me, Hurricane Ivan had swept through the Gulf and was on a direct course for the Appalachian Mountain range. Now this particular trail at Black Balsam is devoid of trees on large parts of it. This makes the trail particularly special because on beautiful, sunny days, you have 360 degree views on the peaks. The lack of trees, however, makes the peaks particularly susceptible to extreme wind conditions as there is little in the way of a natural buffer. Back in 2004 while hiking this trail and with Hurricane Ivan barreling through -- I faced death. What I mean is that at that moment, I thought it was likely that I would not make it down the mountain, and the peak I was on, would serve as my grave.

In that treacherous event, the only thing I could see was my feet and the top of Blue’s head. The only thing I could do was take one small step at a time -- and pray fervently.

And be transformed.

Saul had his “road to Emmaus” – I had Black Balsam. No, I didn’t receive a name change like Saul did, but it was for me one of those truly transformational moments. What I was reminded of in those terrifying minutes is that death is imminent, and life has purpose. I survived Black Balsam-done-up-Hurricane-Ivan style, and I walked away from that experience with a newfound sense of urgency.

Yesterday, while hiking Black Balsam on a gorgeous sunny day, I was reminded of that experience in 2004. It is important that we put ourselves in experiences where we can be reminded about the essence of life. Walk a graveyard and read the many names of those who are passed and forgotten. Peer into a telescope and take in the vastness and wonder of space. Peer into a microscope and take in the complexity and marvel of life. Relocate and choose to live for an extended period of time -- or even more favorable, for the rest of your life -- among the poor and oppressed. Befriend a creature from the animal kingdom. Visit those living out their lives in prison or in mental health institutions. Feed the hungry. Give shelter to the homeless. Give care to the sick. Stand up for someone facing injustice. Confront death on a cliff, or on a peak, or on a land trek, or on sea voyage. This list isn’t conclusive, but these are a few of the examples that have helped serve as reminders for me that our time here is short, and our time here has meaning. Live life with purpose and urgency.

Peace

Jeremy MacNealy