Empty Hands

Empty Hands I arrived with nothing, an empty vessel No thoughts or opinions No knowledge of what was around me Simply hands held out for help. Along the way I began to learn My opinions were molded by those around me My thoughts in line with the popular beliefs of my clan My personality shaped by those assumptions. Soon I began to walk on my own Developing thoughts beyond what my teachers had told me Confused but driven by the need of something more I found myself floundering in unknown territory. Afraid of the unknown yet unwilling to be still I pressed forward and developed my own beliefs Though it was contrary to the norm I felt empowered It seemed that nothing could stand in my way. I had become self-reliant and needed no one My head stuffed with ideas that I approved of My journey had taken me to the false security of self awareness My hands were filled with all that I had to offer. What could stand in my way? Convinced that I could conquer anything I feared nothing, making the path my own design I was convinced that I alone was in control of my destiny. But then all that seemed right in my world began to crumble Like a towering wall weathered beyond repair It came as a surprise to many when it fell But in truth I had known all along that something was wrong. Even the most egotistical among us must look in the mirror The most unwilling to change know very well that all of their rants have little basis But we continue to lie to ourselves making it easy to deceive others All the while our hands are overflowing with things.....but contain only emptiness. This I'm afraid is the destiny of the children of men When they fail to recognize that destiny is not controlled by their will But instead by one who lives just beyond the edge of our sight While participating in every part of our lives. Can this arrogance and self-reliance be changed? I believe it can be eradicated by its nemesis ....humility A heart that falls silent instead of defending its actions Only truly empty hands seeking help can hold hope! JB