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DAVID BENTLEY'S WEEKLY COLUMN |
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CHANGES EVERYWHERE
We've all heard that the only thing certain in the world is change. Lately, the media has bombarded us with news about some big changes resulting from preemptive wars, creative accounting practices, and ecclesiastical politics. However I really became aware of change in the world when I joined some friends at a local beach for a potluck dinner. The fields and woodlands along the road to the beach were brown from lack of rain. The open grassland leading up to the beach, which is usually teaming with hares and foxes, appeared barren. A sign at the parking lot warned that no fires were allowed anywhere on the beach. In the water, a half dozen purse seiners lined up across the horizon. Ten years ago they would have been casting their nets day and night for a whole season. This time, they were preparing for a single fishing day because of depleted fish populations. Farther out in the strait, a bevy of smaller boats disclosed the location of the resident orcas. These magnificent whales are awe inspiring, but their numbers are also decreasing despite recent births. Rather than the screeching and squawking of birds, my ears were filled with the low hum of boat engines, the swooshing sound of vehicles passing on the road above the beach, and the boom, boom, boom of someone's car stereo woofers. By listening carefully, I could faintly hear lapping waves amid the other sounds. Several friends commented on how seldom they get to the beach. We all seem to be too busy making a living to enjoy the natural beauty of the island that we work so hard to live on. Gone are the days of going to the beach once a week or more for a walk, a cookout, or just meeting friends there to watch the sun set. Like it or not, these changes are all the result of the choices we've made.
© 2003 David Bentley David Bentley, M.Ed. & Personal Coach, coaches clients through the game of life, helping them find balance, clarity of direction, and purpose in an ever-changing world. You may contact him at 360.378.8436 by e-mail at david@coachbentley.com or visit his Web site: www.coachbentley.com |
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