As we reminisce on the passing of our loved ones, it should soberly remind us of how fleeting life is. It should also remind us that we too are here only for a short time. We have an expiration date assigned to us as well. We do not know the time and place or even how our life will come to an end, but it will. Empty we came into this world and empty we will go. One day all of our worldly treasures, efforts and sacrifices will pass away.
We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. When we begin to think in those terms, we will begin to value life and let every day count. We will also realize and see that the people in our lives and those around us, are only there for a fixed amount of time. This should help us to build more meaningful relationships and teach us to show more appreciation for people while they are alive – rather than when they are gone.
We also need to come to the understanding that everything in this life is temporary – your earthly possessions, your career, your position, your status, every problem, every solution, every victory and every defeat. When we come to that realization we will cherish every moment, treat others differently and give God the glory for everything in our lives.
If things are good right now, enjoy them. They won’t last forever. If things are bad, don’t worry because it won’t last forever either. Just because life isn’t easy at the moment, doesn’t mean you can’t laugh. Just because something is bothering you, doesn’t mean you can’t smile. Every moment gives you a new beginning and a new ending. You get a second chance, every second. You just have to take it and make the best of it
You can choose to make the most of where you are or not. You can choose to feel satisfied with the nature of your current experience and retain some meaningful lessons, or forget them all. Nobody but you are responsible for what is happening, for what you are thinking and feeling. You alone have the ability to change your script. Once you have life, you can begin again.
Due to this temporary nature of things, you should always seize the moment. Now is real. The present is called that for a reason. It is a present to be relished. If things are going well for you, take the time to really enjoy them because they may not last too long before they change again. Too many people are worried about the future, always making plans and thinking of what they’re going to do, whilst others seem to focus on the past, wondering how they could have changed outcomes.
The reality is, we live in the here and now – the past is forgotten, the future is yet to come but the now is what counts. Don’t let the present be wasted by worrying over past and future issues. Take each moment of your life and live it to the utmost. Today is now – that is all we know. Make the most of it now.
And, you know what – if the present is painful for you and things are going badly, don’t worry about that too much because that too is only temporary! See, this actually works in your favour too. Bad things will pass in time. Enjoy the good things that happen to you and try not to focus too much over the unfortunate things. They will all change again.
When we really think about it, the only thing truly permanent in this life is change. We, as humans, are constantly evolving, as is the world around us. We need to remind ourselves often how fast time goes by and how temporary each moment is. When we think of life in terms of temporariness, it adds a layer of simplicity to things.
Emotions become easier to accept and they create space for us to become witness to them instead of reacting to or with them. When we realize that each emotion, whether good or bad, is only temporary, we begin to see that it passes by us rather quickly if we let it. Instead of getting stuck on how we are feeling moment to moment, we can remind ourselves that “this too shall pass.”
Tomorrow is never guaranteed to us, so make sure the ones you love, and those who support you, know who they are. Cherish your moments together because you never know when that person may exit your life. Everything can change in the blink of an eye, whether we like it or not. We must learn to delight in what is here, in the now, this very moment. We must develop an attitude of gratitude for what is right in front of us. We must understand that when things feel like they are going wrong, they can also turn around in an instant. And just as we feel like we are on cloud nine, a storm could hit and send us back down to reality.
When we think of life in terms of things being transitory, it has the ability to shift our perceptions and let us really focus on the things that really matter in life. What this tells all of us is that NOW is the time, because right now is temporary. It reminds us to never get too caught up with the unnecessary things of life. Each moment is fleeting and passing along with whatever it contains. Let us stay focused on the present moment because it is all we truly have. Each moment passes us by and changes and , although it may seem slow at times, the clock still ticks and the time still passes.
Let us not take for granted what and who we have in our lives because it could all be gone tomorrow or even today. You need to be comfortable with the fact that everything could change. Instead of clinging to your attachments, love your time with them. Wisdom is knowing that everything is temporary. Life goes through seasons and every season has an end. So do not let tragedy, loss, and challenges drive you to give up. Neither allow them to push you into complete despair, or stop you from moving forward.
Live each day to its fullest – by gaining as much wisdom as possible and doing as much good as we can. Try to make a difference in the lives of those you touch. Be a positive influence for good. Worldly possessions and fame are temporary. God’s Love and Wisdom are eternal. Don’t live your life in vain, by seeking after those things that don’t last.
Remember: We only have one life and it will soon pass – and only what is done for Christ will last. Therefore heed John Wesley’s saying:
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 2. Contact information: 476-3517 or email:marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
