On the threshold (or almost, about, around)

If there is a term most pleasant to hear defining the concept of nearness, it is "on the threshold." This phrase, exuberant as it may sound, is used to define moments that are exciting, as in on the threshold of new frontier. Or of one that is momentous, as in a milestone. Or of still another that is glorious, as in a triumph.

All of us have experienced one heluva on-the-threshold saga just a few years back. It was most spectacular and glitzy. It came on the advent fo Y2K when we were on the verge of a new century. We celebrated with mega tons of fireworks, starting in New Zealand, then across time zones of the world, and wound up with a closing finale in the Samoas. It was the nicest day to have happened on earth in a thousand years. The world all forgot about war and hatred for a moment. It was really a fitting manifestation of one total "threshold" euphoria.

The latter half of the past century saw the march of countless monumental threshold events and happenings. We came to the rims of space, making outer space travel possible and perfecting a human moon landing thought impossible. We were brought to the portals important discoveries and achievements as demonstrated in the extensive developments in technology, inventions, science, medicines, etc.

"On the threshold," though how elegant and spirited the words sound, is but a picturesque phrase that bears simplest interpretations, as in, almost, about, around. I picked the threshold stories to stress its gist otherwise called momentum. We know that matters in our daily grind are always set in a forward motion. In this case, it is the momentum of being "not far from"; that is to say, the implications of nearness, approach and encounter.

Let's take competitive sports, for instance. Oftentimes, the team leading in a game series is speculated to be on the edge of championship, especially when the prospects are bright. As for the team that seem hapless, it is portrayed as being pushed to the brink of defeat. But in an even-game series too close to call, it is not unusual for players from both sides to come on the verge of tears when the whistle sounds proclaiming game over. The final tense moments will have built in them the suspenseful thoughts of being pretty close to hoisting the trophy.

Our daily affairs keep us on the fringes of things. Like waking up at almost 8 o'clock, nearly missing the bus, arriving at the office close to being late. When in the office, expect the same thing. We are apprehensive of a big contract soon to be inked, of a good venture just a step away from completion, a windfall just at one's fingertips. Though going home can be more relaxing, we still have to rush for our needs at shopping centers because closing time is drawing near. We have to be home early because our favorite telenovela is about to start. Just as we thought of catching a video movie, slumbering hour is nigh.

"On the threshold' and all its connotations point to the same thing - the proximity of time and space in matters of relatedness. It is about the closeness of expectations, possibilities and impressions going along a line. It is about the momentum of a duration, a distance, a situation or a connection. To illustrate: On a time limit set, we in on the zero hour. On a target not far away, we say it is just around the corner. On a goal in sight, we contend it is just within reach. On the light at the end of the tunnel, we usually exclaim, "We're almost there!"

We do feel hope and elevation from the nuances of the "threshold" expression. Though it gives us that never-better feeling, we also have our share of contrasting dejections. When great woes get into our nerves, we may find ourselves on the point of breakdown. When we suffer huge financial losses, we may come the brink of bankruptcy. When we are afflicted with a serious sickness, we may be on the edge of doom.

I think we better stick to the cheerful and inspirational aspect of our topic than stray to that of despair. So, if we have a worthy project, an objective mission or a promising ambition, we should persevere on it and think of the bright threshold it can make. The road may be long, but we can come within a slingshot. The task may be tough, but making it can be close at hand. Time may press hard on us, but we can reach the bounds of our dreams.

Talking of dreams, I have my share. This article just about completes an anthology of essays that is intended for my third book, "Yet Not One Sparrow, Book 3." I precisely came up with this write-up so as to picture the encouraging impulse of getting near a fulfillment. I can say I am now on the threshold of the publication of this third "Sparrow" installment.

So much for all these fanfare, let us just say that our life here is a merry-go-round characterized by defining moments of almost, about, around. Ultimately, it is going to end at the threshold of heaven.