Brian’s Reflection: Monday, May 11, 2009

Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.

- Irving Berlin (born Israel Baline), in Russia, 1888


Irving/Israel became an international star at age 23 with the publication of his song, "Alexander's Ragtime Band". Writing more than 1,500 songs plus musical comedies like “Annie Get Your Gun”, Berlin lived to be 101 years old. I met him once. A much admired and respected friend of mine lived on the superb Beekman Place in Manhattan, and I would stay with her on occasion. Her apartments looked out over the 59th Street Bridge – I would hum the song as I looked out over it to the North as I made my morning coffee. And I took a photo of it – it has disappeared, alas. But if I looked down from the 10th floor, I was looking down on Irving Berlin’s townhouse. One morning, I went out for my walk, and Irving Berlin was coming out of his house (in a wheelchair, pushed by a nurse). Being who I am, I nonchalantly walked across the street and said with a cheery smile, “Good Morning Mr. Berlin”. He waved his cane and smiled back. So goes the World. You never know what a kid from Verdun Quebec is going to be up to!

What does the 10% teach you – if you are attentive? It teaches you that you are NOT in control of most of your Life. This is a very important Rule – so pay attention. Life happens. It’s the way it IS. It’s the way it’s supposed to be. If you believe in “God”, you KNOW that “God” organized it this way because it is WAYS more fun! Growing up is learning to understand this Reality Rule.

What does the 90% teach you? Well, I have long quoted the old song: “You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, Know when to walk away, and Know when to run”. (Kenny Rogers). This is true about Loving. Same principle applies.

What did Jesus understand when before Pilate? Hold ‘em. Before the Rich Young Ruler? Fold ‘em. Before those who might betray Him? Walk away. Run? Well …………

Life is an Art. Every now and then, we are offered the opportunity to shape our lives. These are rare moments. We are blessed if we have had fine teachers who have taught us to recognize such moments and to take hold of them by the throat and wrestle them into Being.

But 90% will be an opportunity to think on our feet! How blessed we will be if we have had teachers who have trained us to be flexible and supple in mind, body, heart, and spirit, so that we have the skills and the courage to “roll with the punches”. Oh, its good to have solid foundational principles. What we really need to learn is to adjust to Life’s “changes and chances of this mortal life” without losing touch with the Basics – especially Love.

Understanding the true nature and character of Love is the Bottom Line. Never let a day go by without honing that Art.

Brian+