What We Must Do
Today is May 2, 2012. It is a new day and only the second day of a new month. As one gets older, time surely takes its wings and shoots across the days like a rocket. Whatever, we can do must be done today. Whatever forgiveness we must give must be done today. Whatever we must say to those we love or those we are angry with has to be done today. Each moment the day flies swiftly on and even one second of that time can never be gotten back. It is gone and will never come again. Whatever actions we have taken cannot be undone. We can attempt to alter the damage or offer apology, but the deed once done cannot be undone. All the good that we can do must be done now in this moment for tomorrow may come but of this we cannot be sure.
People love to plan. Many making plans for times far in the future. With confidence we act as though we will be here to accomplish all that we have planned. We never consider the alternative. Yet there are those of us whom others would say are pessimistic because we recognize the briefness of life. We know that life is indeed just a vapor here for a moment and then gone. I lived near a river that had small concrete dams that subdued the water flow. On a crisp clear morning I would cross the bridge and see the mist rise above the water. The water was still warm from the day before and the cold air caused a misty cloud to settle on the water. In the few moments it took for me to drop my child off at school and return home, the mist would have completely disappeared. I was fascinated by its beauty and fragility.
Our lives are equally beautiful and fragile. We must find moments to show kindness toward others. We must take time to admit mistakes and work to right wrongs. We must let go of bitterness and hurt. We must embrace love and walk in forgiveness. Over the last few years I have lost family that was very close and dear to me. My father, my mother, a dear aunt, my brother, a brother-in-law and father-in-law are just a few who have passed on. I have buried strangers and family members. As I stood by the caskets of those who I knew and who I didn't know, I was surprised to see how people wept out of guilt for things they had done or failed to do for those they claimed to love. I have seen them strike out in anger toward other family members causing even greater difficulty during a time that was already very hard. These people could not turn back the clock and let go of the hurt and pain. Instead even in the grave, those who had victimized them were continuing to hold power over their lives.
A wise man once said that we needed to live in day-tight compartments. Don't carry over hurts and pain. Go to that person and make it right. Tell them what you feel. If you have hurt someone else, ask for forgiveness and make restitution wherever possible. If they will not forgive or if those who have hurt you continue on, give them to God and accept His peace and grace for the moment. It is not easy to forgive but do so, the forgiveness is for your benefit not theirs. Accept the comfort and unconditional love that comes only from the hands of our Heavenly Father and know His complete acceptance. Remember, life is to short to hold on to the past and that my Friend is the Real Truth.
People love to plan. Many making plans for times far in the future. With confidence we act as though we will be here to accomplish all that we have planned. We never consider the alternative. Yet there are those of us whom others would say are pessimistic because we recognize the briefness of life. We know that life is indeed just a vapor here for a moment and then gone. I lived near a river that had small concrete dams that subdued the water flow. On a crisp clear morning I would cross the bridge and see the mist rise above the water. The water was still warm from the day before and the cold air caused a misty cloud to settle on the water. In the few moments it took for me to drop my child off at school and return home, the mist would have completely disappeared. I was fascinated by its beauty and fragility.
Our lives are equally beautiful and fragile. We must find moments to show kindness toward others. We must take time to admit mistakes and work to right wrongs. We must let go of bitterness and hurt. We must embrace love and walk in forgiveness. Over the last few years I have lost family that was very close and dear to me. My father, my mother, a dear aunt, my brother, a brother-in-law and father-in-law are just a few who have passed on. I have buried strangers and family members. As I stood by the caskets of those who I knew and who I didn't know, I was surprised to see how people wept out of guilt for things they had done or failed to do for those they claimed to love. I have seen them strike out in anger toward other family members causing even greater difficulty during a time that was already very hard. These people could not turn back the clock and let go of the hurt and pain. Instead even in the grave, those who had victimized them were continuing to hold power over their lives.
A wise man once said that we needed to live in day-tight compartments. Don't carry over hurts and pain. Go to that person and make it right. Tell them what you feel. If you have hurt someone else, ask for forgiveness and make restitution wherever possible. If they will not forgive or if those who have hurt you continue on, give them to God and accept His peace and grace for the moment. It is not easy to forgive but do so, the forgiveness is for your benefit not theirs. Accept the comfort and unconditional love that comes only from the hands of our Heavenly Father and know His complete acceptance. Remember, life is to short to hold on to the past and that my Friend is the Real Truth.
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