In evolution they call it “punctuated equilibrium“.

Basically the idea that long periods of apparently incremental change are marked by sudden dramatic leaps forward.

I think perhaps people age the same way.

As children, we go through phases where we seem to change little, and then suddenly, one summer …

Same for adults. That cousin or uncle, who seemed to never change, and one year, at the holidays, they become “old” seemingly overnight.

Of course, for us, witnessing these shifts, we experience disequilibrium.

The world tilts.

‘Passages’ was the book, I believe. Seems like it made the rounds when I was young. I recall my creative writing professor discussing different types of ‘story’ – one of which was “Rite of Passage”.

The past few months have seen the passing of family members, battles with illness and disease, and our little dears growing up. And I still can’t master the rhythm to playing and singing this damned song.

I’ve always struggled with change … from seasons to addresses to friends. My coping mechanism tends toward a melancholy that I have come to embrace – cherish? – as I take the time to “process”.  Funny, how our eldest, a child borne of the heart but not of blood, wrestles with the same burden; and all I can do is try to convince her I know.

Why is it that so much of the most beautiful in life winds up being found in the most difficult? I love Bob Dylan’s line:

“Strange how people who suffer together have stronger connections than people who are most content.”

I believe I’ve said that before. Also noteworthy that the source of that line serves as some of the best food for my personal processing. (There has to be a soundtrack!)  That and a little Rich Mullins.

Well, I’m rambling, now.  “Processing” I suppose. LOL  Although I am continually reminded just how little I actually “know” (in the grander scheme), I do hope that everyone learns to take the time to appreciate these moments … these changes … these milestones. They are, I think, the rhythm – the beat – of life.

Each another’s audience.