Considering What We Hold Dear

"Only that which we hold dear will be strong enough to hold us as we cross into the holy land." Mark Nepo

Nepo is referring to an old myth -- that pilgrims were able to cross a river and enter the holy land only if they contributed what they held dear for the common good of the group.  It seems relevant to the way we lead our lives.  Only when we contribute what we hold dear are we truly impacting life.  How we spend our time, the effort we make towards other people, the talents we develop and share.  We cannot hold onto these things, clutching them to our chests, hoarding them.  Only when given the light and shared are they truly ours and do we, then, truly impact the world around us.