The reason why I have not been so happy this year is that there were many people I knew who died. Fortunately,none were my relatives but it is still sad if you think how you are not going to see them forever. How can somebody so full of life and who you were just eating lunch with be suffering from cancer the next? There is, of course, the Asian tsunami. The extent of this tragedy is simply mind-boggling and it’s heartrending to note that a third of those who died- according to reports – were children. Tragedies such as these once again make me realize how ephemeral life is and how I should kiss & hug my kids everyday.
On the other hand, the prospect of death coming like a thief in the night does not make me want to “live it up because we are not sure about tomorrow anyway.” All the more I want to live my life with meaning. How to do this? By being there for my kids, giving them the best,being good to others, learning new things, being a better person everyday, and letting go of negative feelings. A life with meaning entails that I don’t spend time on good-for-nothing men, vices, needless pursuits, useless gossip, etc. These are just my thoughts on the matter, I still have to write down my NewYear’s resolutions. I am sure that after all the debacles of the passing year, all of us will be saying goodbye to 2004 and greeting 2005 with a new outlook on life and living.
I asked God for strength that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn to obey.
I asked for health that I might do great things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for richness that I might be happy;
I was given poverty that I might be wise.
I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I had asked for,
but everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
(Poem taken from the book “Prayer is a Good Medicine”
by Larry Dossey, Harper Collins, 1996.)
Recent Comments