So, my four year old has a bit of advice for me when it comes to catching a football. Just a few minutes ago she stood at the other end of the living room holding the ball. She turned to me and said:
"Remember, get your eye on the ball."
It didn't matter that I was trying to write this first entry. It was time to play catch. She launched it with her right arm. Following her advice, I kept my eye - both in fact - on the ball and caught it. She smiled. I then whipped it back to her with my left arm. She kept her eye on the ball... all the way to the moment that it smacked her upside the forehead.
She giggled.
"Hey!" she said, and then cradling the ball, shuffled off to the bathroom for a tissue to wipe her nose.
Good times.
Over 2,500 years ago the Greek philosopher Socrates warned his fellow Athenians that "the unexamined life is not worth living." I often share this warning with my students.
So... what does that look like nowadays, what's that got to do with getting smacked in the face with a football, and why am I blogging about it?
Here's what.
Every day we encounter a series of events - random or otherwise. Everyday we create an entry to our collective lives - examined or not. As a blogger, I can examine in a way Socrates could not. That's it. I offer this blog (or me as a blogger) as a metaphor to help explore the idea of living an examined life.
The way I see it (especially if I'm taking my four year old's advice), if I'm gonna live a life worth living, then I must get my eye on the ball - examining every moment of it, especially when it smacks me in the head.
Ok, the kids are launching paper airplanes across the room. Gotta run!
I understand keeping your eye on the ball, but despite life being random and all... there is a pattern that begins to occur. The "Football of Life" can smack you in the forehead the first time around, and maybe even the second, but after a period of time you should anticipate the pattern and take advantage of that moment. Having the football repeatedly hit you in the head is simply not the best way to live life. Who knows... if you show proficiency life may throw you a curve ball just to keep you on your toes.
ReplyDeleteWait a second! Curve balls are in baseball, not football.
ReplyDeleteIn comparison to what Socrates said about living an examined life and your example of keeping your eye on the ball, to me symbolizes ones journey through life and the football can represent obstacles or different challenges one may face while trying to accomplish his or her goals. I you don't keep your eye on the ball you may represent one not being focus
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ReplyDeleteI take the term "keeping your eye on the ball" as a way of staying focused on what your goals and future plans are no matter what obstacles life throws your way.
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