Let us endeavor to live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry. ~Mark Twain
What would be the use of immortality to a person who cannot use well a half an hour. ~Ralph Waldo EmersonI was thinking about my own mortality yesterday. Now that's a morbid thing and obviously I was not exactly in the day. Or maybe I was since it was my mother's birthday. I was thinking how different life was when she was born. It was probably less complicated and certainly not as technologically advanced. She was born, lived 95 years and then she moved on. She had a good long life.
What is clear to me is that none of us knows how much time we have. We can be struck by a sudden illness or be diagnosed with an incurable disease. We can be in an automobile accident that kills or leaves us near death. Or we could be struck down by some random and anonymous act of violence. When I consider the horrible things that take place every day such as homicides, kidnapping and violation of children, being struck down in war, or any of a number of acts that kill or maim the body and spirit, I think that my life is relatively blessed. I am just grateful that I've made it this far and am able to wake up and get moving on this day.
And being thankful for having made it this far, makes me realize that I have no control over how long I have. It could be that genetics are on my side and I'll live to be old like my ancestors. Or maybe there's a different plan. Right now though, I'm back in this day and glad to be here. Enjoy it while you can.
Yes, every day is precious and you are a good son.
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ReplyDeleteI am trying to stay in the now. I am trying not to "live out" all the negativity of yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI try to focus on happiness, cheerfulness, and being who I am (whoever that is!).
This has helped with living the day out, as best as I can. I try to remember thinking about the past and the future, and what might be, what could have been, does not lead to serenity and peace.
I am grateful, not always, but more often than I was.
My daughter has on her bedroom door, "Dance like no one is watching." Not sure where she picked that up from, as she is only 10. This sums it up for me.
I know serenity cannot be achieved by pursuing it. It can only be achieved as a by-product of doing/being something else that is enoyable.
Joe
One day at a time.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that I always "love" the day I'm in. That equals happiness for me.
ReplyDeleteNone of us really know how much time we have. I guess that is why it is important to appreciate every moment.
ReplyDeleteToday I am not grateful for anything. I have about an hour or two left to my day and am trying to turn that around.
ReplyDeleteso true, every day is a gift. something so easily forgotten...
ReplyDeleteYes Syd, you are right about my brother, its my defects that blind me from the truth, I gotta see past them and accept who he is because I cant change him.
ReplyDeleteHey snap ive been having another of my meaning of life episodes while waiting for my fish which turned out to be half size what I normally get