I'm finally beginning to understand the concept of striving. Not striving in the sense of "striving for excellence" but more like the definition: to struggle vigorously, as in opposition or resistance: to strive against fate; or to exert oneself vigorously. I think many take the side of either extreme, they either strive for some kind of goal and will fight for it till they exhaust all energies or they are complacent. Although I'm not buddhist, I keep coming back to Siddhartha's illustration about taking the middle path. He had a concrete example about a stringed instrument: if the string is too loose it won't play a tune, if it's too tight it will break, but if the string is taut (in between basically) it will play the most beautiful music. The problem with Siddhartha's theory is that we're supposed to do this by ourselves. We are the gods, we control things. But how can this be? We are not all wise, all knowing even if we sat and meditated for years! Maybe we could come up with some good theories or epiphanies but how can we know the mysteries of the universe, or even the mysteries of ourselves without some higher knowledge, whether it be from a peer, a mentor or even God? Alone we are still striving for something even if it is just enlightenment. 

Even youths grow tired and weary, 

       and young men stumble and fall;

 but those who hope in the LORD 

       will renew their strength. 

       They will soar on wings like eagles; 

       they will run and not grow weary, 

       they will walk and not be faint. 

I remember one good illustration about the concept of soaring rather than striving: One sunday our pastor was speaking on this verse and talking about soaring on wings like eagles vs. the pigeon flapping its wings like crazy. Very memorable because our pastor is latino and very animated. He spoke of people trying to do so many things and take on so many projects because they feel the need to build a stairway to heaven on good deeds or something.  Maybe they do this to repay God back for what he has done or to win the approval of others. This kind of unending effort resembles a pigeon more than an eagle. On the other hand to soar on wings like eagles looks like prayerfully considering the season we are in or the responsibilities we take on, rather than taking on tasks because we feel obligated or feel we need to prove something or fill our schedules. I am by no means trying to encourage laziness but rather peace. Instead of worrying about the next task, to be present in all situations. I also believe that it can be amazing when God asks us to take on things that we cannot do on our own so that he can show up. 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not us. We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.

I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and will rescue you.

Our God is all wise, all knowing and his plans are for good if we are pursing Him and His ways. All we need to do is know that he is God and fully give him our lives to mold into what he created us to be. I think the hard part is waiting for his timing especially if we are given insight for the things he is wanting to do in our lives.