(Thanks to Gary Thorp and his book Caught in Fading Light for giving me the language to make this discovery.)
I've discovered that there are essentially two ways of making discoveries. The first one is to wait until something comes to you and the second is to actually go looking for it.
Let's look at it in these terms. There are "still hunters", they are the ones who lie in ambush awaiting their quarry. Then there are the "trackers", the ones who take action in running down their quarry.
I used to be the guy that would sit around and wait for things/opportunities to come to me. Not that it doesn't work once in awhile, it just didn't work for me. Since returning from my wilderness time in Washington, I've become a more assertive person who wants to track down my opportunities.
I'm starting to understand this tracking thing more and more each day. I love to get little pieces of the puzzle that I can put together and begin to follow. I love the possibility of not being "right". I love being able to be on the move and search. I love making connections and discerning along the way with others. I love the possibility that I may catch up to what I've been seeking.
It has come to be a metaphor for my life and faith journey as well. It explains my connection with the wild canines as opposed to the wild felines.
I'm not saying that "ambush hunting" or waiting for something to come to you is bad, actually this involves more patience and willingness to be open to the surprise. I'm willing to say that my preference as well as part of my new way of relating to myself and the world is to be tracking it down.
Funny how even 4 years ago, this language and these metaphors would not have even been in my religious vocabulary, now it is almost the best way I can relate my ideas!
