It all starts with birth.
We enter the world with an
opportunity to fulfil our individual mission in the time we are granted. The
day we are born is the day we become our very own person - no longer just a
watermelon in our mother's belly.
Every year, on the anniversary of
our existence, we stop and honour this day in a celebratory manner. Our family
and friends usually go to significant lengths to make us feel loved and cared
for. It's the one time a year when the world revolves around us.
As time goes by, birthdays seem to
creep up rather quickly and before we know it we're a year older and hopefully
wiser.
When it's all over and the next
day arrives, things tend to go back to normal. We eventually become accustomed
to the fact that our 'number' has changed as we return to our daily routines.
So what's it all about?
There is an interesting shift in
balance as we age. From birth till the late twenties, our bodies continue to
grow stronger and become more agile. As each year passes we can generally run
faster, and increase our flexibility. This trend continues up until our early
thirties, when the physical decline slowly begins.
Getting older can present us with
a number of challenges, but aging comes with rewards too. Unlike the body, the
mind (while it's still sound) is capable of taking on more from age thirty and
beyond. In fact, its depth increases as we continue to feed it and experience
more from life.
The adult brain seems to be
capable of rewiring itself well into middle age, incorporating decades of
different encounters. Research suggests that an older mind is calmer, less
neurotic and better able to sort through social situations. Some middle-agers
even have improved cognitive abilities.
I write this blog after today
after having gone through 5 deca and an octave years in existence.
As I look in the mirror, and
notice I have a little less hair, weaker eyesight and a body that doesn't burn
fat as quickly as it used to - one could forgive me for not being thrilled
about getting older.
Yet I'm comforted by feeling like
my mind is stronger than it's ever been. My thirst for information is as high
as I can remember – but I stopped continuously craving knowledge. I’d more want to partake the wisdom I’ve
acquired over the years.
A few years ago I had a lot more
tolerance for a 'dumbed down' world. This is certainly not the case anymore. I
currently find myself drawn to videos and literature (and even music) that make
me think, feel and cry rather than spending time on fluff that numbs my mind.
As I grow a year older, I sit and
ponder: What have I accomplished by being here? Has the world changed because I
left that womb? If not, how can I leave some positive footprints on this planet
in my remaining years?
Confronting thoughts no doubt, but
I'd rather think about them than just go through the motions.
Perhaps C.S Lewis put it best when
he said: "You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new
dream."
My goal now is to really “start”
enjoying life with my wife, Joy. Better late than never to start writing down
our telenovela-like love story, be with my adult children in their awakened
journey of their lives, and show a more revamped fatherhood to my remaining 4 boys,
still living with us.
Looking at phone notes – I’d like
to share several truths I so far have learned in the living life.
I’ve learned life is a precious
gift given to us by our Creator and we are to treasure each and every second we
have been granted. And that He speaks to our hearts everyday if we but have a
desire and sensitive ears to hear His whispering Voice.
I’ve learned that there are
consequences to our decisions and choices, whether good or bad. And that when
one works hard, rewards will follow. I realize that goes against the
entitlement mentality of today that
says, “I deserve it whether I have worked for it or not.”
I’ve learned that there is a
difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledgeable men are not always wise.
Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge rightly.
I’ve learned that what is truly
valuable in life has nothing to do with money.
I’ve learned that laughter is a
gift that adds music to the soul and is medicine for the spirit.
I’ve learned that unforgiveness
will eat away at your soul and short circuit your relationship will others and
the Creator.
I’ve learned that it is ok for a
grown man to cry and show his emotions. And a smile is contagious.
I’ve learned to be thankful for my
blessings and to be trusting in my adversity. Our disappointments in reality
are His-appointments.
I’ve learned you cannot ever
compromise with evil. If you do, it will eventually destroy you and make a fool
out of you.
I’ve learned that many waters
cannot quench love. Life is short so if you are going to tell someone you love
them do it before it is too late.
I could go on and on of truths and
principles I have learned over the years, but I will end with the greatest
truth I have ever learned. I’ve learned
that man is sinner. While we don’t all sin alike, we have all have sinned and
come short of the glory of God. The remedy for our sin is the One who was above
sin but died for our sins – Jesus Christ.
And lastly…Live life, and love
well.
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