Waves normally come in sets. The sets may contain from one to several waves of different intensities. Some bigger than others. These sets are separated by lulls of inactivity. The clean-up set is usually the last set of the series.
My reason for bringing up this topic of clean-up sets is because it is one of those things that until a surfer experiences it, there will not be an appreciation for the level of awareness and alertness which must be held while out in the ocean. Getting caught inside (meaning, not being able to paddle out toward the ocean fast enough to get beyond where the set of waves will break) can be a humbling, adrenaline-filled experience.
It is the experience of getting caught unprepared, not being alert to the environment in which you dwell, not paying attention to the signs around you, that will make you pay the price. Sometimes the price is not so steep, you get tumbled, then you come out of it. Other times, you get hammered by several large waves in succession, losing your sense of direction, unable to come up and get enough air into your lungs. An experience you will likely choose not to experience again.
Life is not so different from surfing.
One goes through life and can either choose to pay attention to the details and read the signs, or risk being slammed by the clean-up set. The clean-up set can take many forms...
- An individual, ignoring signals from the body, ultimately finding out he has an illness which could have been prevented if only the early warnings had been heeded.
- A relationship, having lost its meaning, both parties trying to work it out, to force the feelings which are not naturally there any longer. Ultimately finding out it was not meant to be.
- A country believing in their president, no matter how many times he has failed them. Failing to accept the reality that they have been lied to and thousands of innocent women and children are dead because of a steadfast belief that the person of authority is a "good Christian" and would not be capable of such.
- A congregation believing in thier religious leaders, no matter the news of other religious leaders abusing their roles and molesting children. Believing those to be isolated events and that no such thing could ever happen within thier congregation.
- A corporate leader thinking he can continue to grow the company, thus increasing the value of his compensation package, regardless of the effect on the environment or the local work force. Never considering the impact to the families left jobless as the jobs are moved elsewhere. Never considering the impact to the environment as the jobs are shipped to countries with less restrictive environmental regulations.
- A political leader compromising his integrity to obtain percs or donations from big business. Later to find out he has become beholden to those who stuff his pockets.
- An economic condition worsens, people lose their jobs, yet the public is told to look at the positive economic reports. Reports contradicting what they have experienced first hand. Could this be the tip of the crest of the in-coming economic clean-up set?
As a surfer sits in the lineup, waiting for the next wave, he is always on the look-out for the best wave. If he is experienced, he will also be looking for the clean-up set. Although enjoying the moment, the surfer sits alert, vigilant, prepared. Staying relaxed and ready to respond to the signs on the horizon.
In life, as a member of humanity, we must also be alert, vigilant, keeping an eye on those events which are the indicators for humanity's clean-up set.
Will you be prepared?
Will you see the signs and take action?
Will you paddle out to safety, yell to your mates to beware?
Or, will you sit with the rest of the crowd ignoring the signs until the wave comes crashing on top of you?
Be alert, watch the signs and take action, or prepare to get hammered...
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