I don’t know when it happens to us . . . somewhere between the days and the nights, and the chores and tasks we must complete in daily life, we forget why we are here.
Maybe it’s because of the television that has that favorite show of ours. Or because the passion we once had for the job - that was suppose to bring so much joy and enthusiasm for the purpose we thought we had - slowly eroded into just another check on the list of things to be done.
Maybe it’s the fact that we forget how fragile a balance life is, and how easily this precious and beautiful gift can be taken away.
But somewhere along the line we lose touch with the life we are living. What was once so new became normal, what smelled so sweet became muted and somewhere along the line we fell asleep in a day-dream of routine that we’ve accepted as “life,” substituting joy and happiness with “things” and distractions. And when we finally do wake up, we’ve realized we’ve slept most of this gift away. I know that there are some reading this now that may feel this way. And others, still young, who are beginning to fall asleep, losing enthusiasm and spontaneity that brings so much to life.
Strangely enough, though, it is usually a lose that brings life back into our lives. Losing someone that brings a shock that reminds us how precious our days really are. . .but it shouldn’t have to be that way. We shouldn’t need a reminder so sorrowful and powerful to remind us that this life is ever-changing, and that each moment is one to savor for all it is worth.
I remember there is a Native American tribe who has the saying “today is a good day to die.” Many who hear that would say it’s a very morbid thing to think about but, when I first heard it, it rang very true for me. How many of us could say that with honesty? If we knew that today was our very last moment – how many thoughts would run through our head? What regrets would immediately appear - the many “I-wish-I would-have’s” that paint the picture of a life unfulfilled.
It is not because we could never do these things that come to mind, but that at some point we became content with putting our hopes and dreams aside because we had become comfortable and the tomorrows seem endless enough to put them off for another day. But it’s when we say “tomorrow” to our aspirations that we put life away that we slide into our daydream of routine and acceptance for how thing are, instead of living a fulfilling and joyous life. But if we look closely, life is constantly reminding us about it’s gift, and showing us it’s beauty and fragility everyday. . .and for those who pay attention, life will never become just a streams of days, but one of moments and experiences that make you realize each second is priceless.
It could be as normal, but unappreciated an event as watching the sun rise and set; or the first time you see the ocean, the waves splashing onto the shore, its size reminding you just how small we really are, as it washes your footprints away in the sand. Life never truly stops or stands still. It doesn’t put things off for tomorrow or have any regrets. Why should we?
Don’t let life slip into routine, and don’t forget what your passions are, and what you have to be grateful for. Remind yourself constantly of these things and don’t take every day as if it’s one to throw away because there’s always a tomorrow – don’t fall asleep, wake up and live life. . .
No comments:
Post a Comment