In 1973, the Eagles released one of the all-time great ballads, Desperado. If you regularly tune in to classic rock stations, it won’t take very long for you to hear it. Over the years, I ’ve come to enjoy lyrics that actually make me think and reflect on life. This song has one such lyric:
You’re losin’ all your highs and lows
Ain’t it funny how the feeling goes away.
Sadly, these lyrics ring true in the lives of many adults. Why is this?
First of all, it’s worth noting that kids seem to experience constant highs and lows. Sometimes, as adults, we think they experience far too many! If a child is moving forward in a healthy manner, they will dream big, have a belief in those around them, and truly believe that the possibilities in life are endless. When life is approached in this manner, there are going to be a LOT more highs and lows! This may bring discomfort to us adults. We may tell ourselves,”Kids just don’t know any better.” We may frequently be focused on reigning in our children, believing that we are simply protecting them. Be careful. Theres a big difference between protecting and limiting our kids. Sometimes, we should take a few cues and learn from them!
As adults, unlike most kids, we stop believing that the possibilities in our lives are endless. Due to what one perceives as past failures and disapointment, self-imposing limits and playing it safe become the norm. We structure our lives in a manner that is filled with only what we have to do, leaving minimal time to follow our dreams and dare take risks that may bring great reward. We simply stop believing. When a daily routine begins to define who you are, you’re possibly in the process of “losin’ all you’re highs and lows.” Don’t let that happen…and don’t assist your kids into falling for this trap .
MOVING FORWARD
1) Of course, it’s a parents responsibilty to look out for their children and make sure they are safe. Sometimes we may be OVERPROTECTIVE because we want to shelter our kids from experiencing the “lows”. Be careful. It may hinder your child from experiencing the “highs”. Before acting, analyze your motives and ask yourself if you are being protective or overprotective.
2) It’s never too late for us adults! Theres still a place in your life for your dreams and passions. Begin this process in baby steps. Identify a passion that you have and a small way that you can incorporate it in your life. Every few months, identify a way that you can make it a bigger part of life. Before you know it, you may be experiencing more “highs” than your daily routine previously allowed. Another benefit of this is that your kids will take notice!
3) If you cannot identify a true passion, pray for guidance. If you’re willing to follow God’s path for you, you’ll have NO problem with experiencing the “highs” that have been missing from your life. This will not only positively impact you……but also your child!
Here’s a link to the Eagles’ “Desperado”. Check out the lyrics.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v80JtLKX_VY