HERE, YOU TAKE THE WHEEL

It is often said big things come in small packages. Perhaps the same is true with words. This small word "too" so often carries so big a thought. Namely: excess. Too much of anything, even a good thing, can become a bad thing. Horace preached the wisdom of moderation: "Auream medicratatem diligo." In effect: To cherish the golden mean. One of the few passages I retain from my immoderate years in Latin classes.

Note how in politics, sports, arts, and relationships someone is always quick to brandish the "too" sword. Too government-controlling liberal or too no-controls conservative....too young to know or too old to play....too way-out or too far-back. Salaries are of course always easy prey for the too-mongers, as the media relish listing everyone's salaries from teachers to CEOs in order to stir debate and boost ratings.

As to that last issue, Newport Beach California recently went ballistic when the media reported lifeguards making $200,000. "Too much" wailed the press. "Too misunderstood" replied the lifeguard union.

Steering through life is like steering through oceans. Always the need to compensate for the winds, currents, and swells in order to find that middle course. That golden mean. When the critics and crews yell "too" from their respective sides of the ship, it usually tells the person at the helm they're right on course.

But here's the problem. Whether it's your president or your quarterback or your spouse, it's not always easy to believe they're on the right course until the ship finally docks. Too many too's on route; too little faith till anchored; too hard to always know the difference.