Hold it Up to the Light

One of the recent high school seniors in his final project said that Holden is a place for people in-between, because no one can stay here forever.  But really no matter where we are in our life, we are in-between things; we just don’t know what lies ahead.  Sometimes we are faced with things that we didn’t choose: a diagnosis, death of a loved one, betrayal, an ultimatum, loss of a job…. 

And some of us just don’t make decisions well and frankly stay too long in one place.  Why?

Some welcome change, and some do not.  Some get stuck, for we fear the unknown.  Some get too comfortable and don’t consider new options.  Some feel too much responsibility for others and can’t choose what might be best for themselves.  Some get too busy with “stuff” in their lives.  Some wait for a sign that never comes.  Some cannot see themselves anywhere else or with anyone else.

When I have had to make some choices that I felt needed to be made in my life: different job, relocating, selling a house, retirement, and yes coming to Holden, I have often used the lyrics of David Wilcox’s song Hold it Up to the Light to help me in my decision.  I am hoping it might help others as they discern what might lie ahead.

Hold It Up To the Light

It's the choice of a lifetime, I'm almost sure
I will not live my life in between anymore
If I can't be certain of all that's in store
This far it feels so right

I will hold it up, hold it up to the light
Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light

The search for my future has brought me here
This is more than I'd hoped for, but sometimes I fear
That the choice I was made for will someday appear
And I'll be too late for that flight

So hold it up, hold it up to the light
Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light

It's too late, to be stopped at the crossroads
Each life here, each a possible way
But wait, and they all will be lost roads
Each road's getting shorter the longer I stay

Now as soon as I'm moving, my choice is good
This way comes through right where I prayed that it would
If I keep my eyes open and look where I should
Somehow all of the signs are in sight

If I hold it up to the light

I said, "God, will You bless this decision?
I'm scared, is my life at stake?
But I see if You gave me a vision
Would I never have reason to use my faith?"

I was dead with deciding, afraid to choose
I was mourning the loss of the choices I'd lose
But there's no choice at all if I don't make my move
And trust that the timing is right

Yes, and hold it up, hold it up to the light
Hold it up to the light, hold it up to the light