Ever notice that life bears a striking resemblance to a Celtic knot?
Despite what they teach in school, there really is no such thing as a straight line from A to B… unless you’re sitting in algebra class. Somehow, somewhere in between these two designated points, life “happens”. And with a decided tendency towards the unexpected. As poet Robert Burns famously put it, “The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft a-gley.” This translates to, even the best of plans can screw up at times. In fact, more often than not, that is a given, as life is anything but predictable. There are the usual ups and downs, as well as many unexpected twists and turns, all of which appear to give the ‘design’ of our life a sort of Celtic knot configuration
And this in itself is bit of a misnomer. For these patterns are not necessarily knots per se, but rather weavings, which twist about in a variety of motifs. It begins with a single strand, looping around itself to make a pleasing interlaced design. There is neither a start nor finish. Just one continuous line, woven into an intricate pattern, which seemingly goes on indefinitely; symbolizing as it does the eternal nature of life.
There are specific ‘rules’ that govern the definition of an authentic Celtic ‘knot’. The strand must be woven into crossings which alternate in an over/under design. And this must hold true regardless of the angle from where it is viewed. Also, there can be no more than 5 crossings at any one point. Sounds a bit complicated… and challenging hmm?! Just like life itself
Theologian/philosopher Soren Kierkegaard once stated that life must be lived forward, but it can only be understood backwards. And this is the point.
If we look back upon the road (or strand) our lives have taken thus far, we can see a configuration of crossings which define and explain who we are. And in the seeing, come to a deeper understanding of ourselves, and the life we have experienced. For each crossing strand represents a threshold. A place where we were called to make a change in direction, either by choice or circumstance. And each change presented us with a different landscape from the status quo which prevailed prior. A challenge to be met, whether in welcome or reluctance.
Over the course of our lives, countless thresholds makes themselves known. Rites of passage which we welcome with joy; graduations, weddings, births, a new job, etc. Then there are other turns in the road, which even when expected, require careful navigation through unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable territory; the death of a loved one, divorce, a move, or illness. Each of us views these gateways with a different understanding and expectation. A threshold of change which some might welcome, others will view as a challenge.
The pace of life today is relentless with change. It pervades every aspect of our lives, and we will encounter many thresholds along the way. Each threshold is like a gateway, one which presents us with a new landscape of thought and experience. And yes, some will offer a challenge beyond our comfort zone, which we will have to grow through. Even as other gateways will be welcomed with joy and delight.
Our lives weave a myriad of patterns and designs beyond number. And no one of them is alike to another, for we are distinctly unique individuals.
Life is dynamic, and to resist such crossings is to become static. The new landscape which lies in wait beyond the next gateway is in many ways a gift. An opportunity to grow, that we might better develop our strengths and talents.
Such differing experiences help us to become more resilient, broadening our outlook on life. Thus, allowing us to better evolve into the person we were truly meant to be. Other-wise we stagnate, and that’s not living, it’s merely being.
A Celtic knot demonstrates the eternal aspect of life. It also represents unity and an interconnection with, and between, nature and ourselves. A symbol of harmony in many ways, wherein a balance has been found and maintained. And isn’t this what we strive for?
To achieve a comfortable place of equilibrium and wellness in our lives, despite the many opposing forces around us.
Glance back, and as Kierkegaard says, understand. We may not be able to see where we’re going, but we do know where we’ve been. And if you look closely enough, you will discern through the mists of time past, a beautiful inter-laced design like no other. One which is uniquely you.
From the very beginning there has been a plan for our lives, though we may not have noticed. Like the old saying of being unable to see the forest for the trees, we are too close to know the way clearly and objectively.
And so, we trust. Adjusting direction as best we can to whatever new landscape the next threshold or crossing presents us. Will it be over or under? Left, right, or straight ahead?
And, when doubts creep in, as they surely do on occasion… we can be assured of the following:
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you… not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
(Jer. 29:11-13)
May you see the beauty of the interlaced
weavings which have decorated your life thus far,
and delight in being you!
