Looking for a Plateau (01/02/2026)

Did you know that a 2-litre bottle of diet coke stored in a fridge door pocket could bobble right out of its place if the door was opened too quickly? Neither did I until I found myself picking up such a bottle full of fizz and placing a note on it, “Open with caution” for the next guy.

Did you know that you can’t always see the ice on concrete? I was given a rapid immersion reminder of that this week on my driveway that I thought was clear.

Did you know that one of the most common kitchen emergencies is stabbing your hand while trying to remove an avocado pit with a knife? I learned that tidbit in the emergency room several years ago. Now that lesson I have firmly tucked into my toolbox which now includes only spoons for removing avocado pits. Some lessons cost more than others to receive.

I was told by my teachers and elders that the learning curve of life is quite steep. And during my younger years, I was amazed at their wisdom. I tended to learn so many of life’s lessons not by the book but rather by the band-aid moments. Being the life-long optimist that I am, I thought that eventually I would hit a plateau where I could just sort of sail through. I’m still looking for that plateau.

Oh, there are mistakes I have learned from that I will never repeat again like the avocado pit extraction method of preference. But there are others that I say I know but still seem to require reminders like the racks in a heated oven are hot or an untimed tea kettle can boil over.

Perhaps I am an exception. My family has always said that I could screw up a one-can milk route given enough time. But truly, I was expecting my later years to be smooth skating. And I’ve learned that not only do I find myself repeating old mistakes physically, but I can also repeat spiritual mistakes just as easily. Turns out that the learning curve in life doesn’t plateau – there’s always more to learn or re-learn.

Last year was extremely busy, and I found myself taking some short cuts physically but also spiritually. And just a couple of days ago as I was making my list of resolutions that include physical changes, I knew I had to address some resolutions for spiritual changes. My conversion story isn’t over yet.

And this morning, as I began my day, I tried to reclaim some lost ground. I re-read on of my favorite passages – John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.”  My resolution this year is to keep this truth at the forefront of my working memory and of my daily effort. And I realize that the learning curve will continue to be steep because the world doesn’t really want me to get this right. But the LORD does. And He will be with me if I begin every day and every activity in Him and keeping room in me for Him to remain.

The learning curve is steep. But the climb is worth it. And in my old age, I’m realizing that plateaus may be over-rated.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.