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Life can be like a spinning top
By Dony Harrison
Contributor
Published October 18, 2009
It is said after age 50, reflective memories of our past are more typical than those in our present.
A recent memory brought with it a dichotomy of yesterday and today. Many might remember this very popular toy, a colorfully painted, metal, spinning top, shaped much like a mushroom. It had a push and pull knob centered on its top.
I haven’t seen one in years. It was placed on a flat surface, and pushing the knob up and down controlled the rapidity of speed it turned.
When the knob was released, it spun at a high speed, and as it slowly lost momentum, wobbled, stopped and fell over.
The flashing colors were neat to watch as it spun. After it fell over, you couldn’t wait to put it into motion once again.
The toy wore out quickly from spinning so quickly at such a fast speed. Then was tossed into and old toy box, and other new toys replaced it.
It seemed I did the same thing with my life, just as the spinning top. I pushed and pulled, running about at self-destructive speeds, trying to succeed, making more and more money but growing so tired.
I was trying to be successful in my dad’s eye, as my dad had stated I was only worth the amount of money I made. Oh how sad he had felt this way. He passed away an unhappy man.
Living life at such a fast pace tore away at my health, spirit and soul, much like a spinning top wobbling, then falling over.
I became disabled at a very young age. All the hard work and money made was used for medical bills and survival.
A year later, I was left with nothing, forced to obtain Social Security disability, an income which left barely enough for eating, rent and to pay bills. I felt a likeness to the worn out spinning top. Depression ruled my world, and I felt worthless.
Younger healthier personnel quickly filled my position at work. I was seldom missed and soon just another past employee, tossed into the worn out corporate toy box.
From a short-lived wealth to indigence actually saved my life, family and most importantly — my soul. My health is only a memory. It’s the price I paid for thinking I was only worth the amount of money I earned, for I was surely infallible.
Today, I am saved and have everything I need and enough of what I want. God has filled my life with countless blessings. The importance of just the simple life and living is a comfort. I can peacefully be myself and be alone with myself.
Have you ever been afraid to be yourself or alone with yourself? It is a scary place to be.
Times are so financially difficult for everyone, as we face an ongoing recession crisis. But take time for family, friends and loved ones and for yourself.
Don’t become a metal toy, spinning out of control, soon to wobble, fall and be tossed into the old toy box of life. Remember Faith is the best tool in God’s fix-it toolbox.
Dony Harrison lives in Texas City.
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My Story
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