Shoveling a Path

Close to 9 inches of snow fell last weekend where I live in Wisconsin.

A blanket of white, bright against the sunshine, welcomed me Sunday morning.

it was just me at home that day.

Just me.

I thought about that as I took the shovel down off the hook in the garage.

Just me.

I thought about that as I lifted the first shovel-full of snow off the driveway and onto the grass.

It has been just me for most of my life. And for the last 10 years, just me and my boys.

Shoveling a path through this sometimes brutal life.

Sometimes it's just a dusting, but other times it feels like mountains of snow.

There were moments last Sunday when I paused and looked at the pile of snow and wanted to just throw in the towel.

To say screw it and go back inside and back to bed.

But I couldn't. I had to be able to get my car out of the driveway to do the things that life requires me to do.

Just me.

Making all the important decisions and screwing it up more times than I can count.

Picking myself up and moving forward, even when I don't feel like it.

Honestly, I'm exhausted. Sometimes I wish for someone to show up at my door and offer to do it all for me.

For a little while anyway.

To give me a break from the constant barrage of responsibility and decisions and stress and worry.

But I'm a realist. I know that's not going to magically happen.

So I keep shoveling a path.

Even when it's hard. Even when I don't want to pick up one more shovel-full of snow.

Because what's the alternative? Not have a path at all?

I guess my point is this:

Whether it's snow, or mud or sh*t that life is slinging at us, we all have to shovel a path through it.

At least when the shoveling is done, we can step back and admire our handiwork. Feel pride in what we've accomplished.

And continue on while the path is clear. Until the next time.

Is your shovel ready?

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