A Rare Site Indeed

About 40 miles south of where I live there is a spectacular sight. It is quite a unique experience called Cumberland Falls.

I try to go to see it at least several times a year. 

Part of the distinction of this place comes from a moonbow that is formed from the spray off the falls when the conditions are just right. It doesn’t happen all the time. Several dynamics need to come together for the moonbow to be visible. The geographic features that lend to the waterfall itself are just part of the story. The angle of the falls, the production of spray, the angle the moon shining  through the spray on the few days before and after the full moon are still only part of the story. There are so many random factors that determine when particular visit will allow you to see this spectacular view. The weather needs to be just right.

Even all these factors that make for the appearance of a moonbow pale in comparison to the immeasurable factors that come together to make someone the person that they are. All the seemingly small choices, well thought out choices, plans we have made, goals we have set, failures and achievements that we have, are still a small part of the puzzle. What then is the bigger picture? The people that we have met, those that have come into our life and influenced the course we have taken, some still around, even more that have come and gone, contribute to the picture. So many countless chance encounters come and go. It is overwhelming at times to think about. For some people there may be more encounters and for some far less. I am struck by the great effect so much chance can bring together.

In the end I still experience life with awe regardless of what comes together to cause it. So many things that could have been just a little different, but if the conditions weren’t just right, I might not see what I see today.

We often like to feel that we have a sense of control on the direction life takes us, but how can one mitigate innumerable encounters? In the end we have some choice about what we allow and don’t allow to become a part of us. We can choose how to react to the circumstances and encounters that happen. I believe that is what shapes our being.