One of my favorite memories has always been my brothers and I sitting around after a holiday meal, trading barbs. The bad puns would continue followed by laughter that sounded very similar from one sibling to another. It has been coined Blackstock humor. A longtime friend reminded me that I have used laughter as a response to much of life. That might have been a dangerous ploy to use with nuns but I managed to survive. It was upon this foundation that I created my first blog: My Punch Line (mypunchline.wordpress.com). It seemed appropriate to find the humor in life’s challenges. Now, upon retrospect, it doesn’t seem entirely suitable. There are challenges that life sends your way that need more thought and fortitude than laughter.

Life has blessed me with the best it has to offer: my son, my family who remains close, friends, travel and professional settings that have allowed me to leave my mark. Challenges and sorrow are not unknown to me: divorce, unemployment, health issues and those that I love that have made the transition to eternity. Ultimately I would like to think there is balance. The mountains and valleys are juxtaposed and simultaneously visible, no matter what my circumstance may be at the time. Whatever course I travel, it is rich in experience.

Life is certainly a mixed bag. I could offer a multitude of clichés that may or may not be proven. Is it true that you reap what you sow or is it a wives’ tale to keep you in line? We have all witnessed forces that deter the greatest laid plans. That brings me to the concept of this blog: Harvesting Life. Are you gathering what has been created or are you merely gazing upon it and seeing its completion but not collecting it or using it for its intended purpose? I recognize that there are seasons that the crop is substandard or even rotten. Those are the days one has to decide if the crop will be left to fester or cleared and replanted. Harvesting is work. It takes determination and strength. Substitute life for harvest and recognize it too takes determination and strength.

For the longest time I held a cynical view of life, stating we come into this world alone and we leave the same way. I’m now rethinking that and viewing it in a much more positive light. My mother carried me for 9 months before giving me life. A medical team was there to ensure that my journey began in a safe and healthy setting. As a matter of fact my father, who was career Navy, made the 300 mile trip by bus in a blizzard to meet me. No, I didn’t come into this world alone. I have no idea what my last moments on this earth might be but for now I will live and live fully. I’m holding space for you. Will you join me, figuratively standing shoulder to shoulder, and begin the process of harvesting life?