C. Douglas Caffey

MILESTONES

As we move along the calendar of time, we learn that many events do not rhyme, with what we thought. For some of the things which made us sad, were substituted for the things which we hoped would make us glad. Sad and glad; two ends of the spectrum of life, both of which are the necessary part of the human heart. When we stop to look at who we are, and where we are, our reflection is skewed into the small canyon of self. Ever our gaze is focused upon that which we want, or hope to have; be it a house on the hill, or the recipient of a healthy will, bequeathed to only us for who better deserves that rich recompense of those who have paid the price of living a beneficial life upon Planet Earth?

“Inside the box” is our veritable motto. Why look upon the things of others when we must do an exploration of just who we are. Somewhat akin to searching for oil in some barren field, hoping that our search will yield thousands of barrels of that black elixir, which shall fall upon our heads and make us filthy rich, only to complicate living with economics and high status, affording those things which make life sadder. When the spurting oil falls upon our heads and lands within our purse, both our heads and our purse become slippery and ill of use.

When do milestones become millstones? There is only one letter different in the two, but oh, the difference to me and to you! Millstones are for grinding the kernel into powder, breaking down the element of life within. And, will not millstones do the same, for one has the potential of making life worthwhile for all those whom life shall touch? What is a milestone? It is but a marker on the road of unselfish living. A milestone is laid when, in sun or shade, one stoops to lift a fallen brother or sister from the parched Earth, the cursed ground which authored human birth. Life does not spring from Mother Earth, but from ONE who gave us birth with His own breath, whereupon man became a living soul.

If, being a living soul, man turns within himself to become a millstone, does it not follow that to “look without”, his looking becomes a milestone, no doubt. Now that’s reason to shout, not to pout and create doubt. Pouting and doubting are diverse to joy and shouting. One becomes a millstone, the other a milestone on the road less traveled.

A fork in the road of life; take the road well worn, or the path less traversed? The choice is up to you. What will you do? The road well worn is evidence than many have trod this way in seeking what is “best” for themselves, yet void of that rich commodity called “rest”! Now the path less traveled is narrow. No signs along the way declare a life of ease and sweet repose.
But there are some markers along the way, such as, “Take My yoke upon you… and learn of me, for My yoke is easy… and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Such a yoke makes for light burdens, never a millstone!

What milestones have you planted along the way, whether yesterday or yet today?

A cup of cold water, rightly given, can be a milestone, for it is never a millstone. The first cousin to a millstone is a “head stone” with your name inscribed. Many a head stone began as a millstone. If you make milestones it won’t have to be inscribed on your head stone.