In my living room is a picture of my family when I was thirteen. I see it everyday. With the familiar there is a tendency to often times look without seeing but not this morning. There is so much life and love in that frame that the fleeting moment it captures seems like another dimension of time. If only there was a portal, I’d go back. But I’m connected to it, to them, unlike any connection I’ve ever experienced in my life.
However, as the print has faded, so has my family. They’re all gone. And on this sunny day, for some reason I feel desolate. Disjointed. And therein is the impetus to ask why. This impulse won’t last long but I think people should revel in these opportunities to reflect. You can encounter memories long gone or blurred, many of which are precious, many of which substantiate a life worth celebrating. Your life. Ultimately, the chance we all have “to be” is pure grace. We should never forget that.
Something else about that picture. It compels me to think of my child. Gone as well. As it’s too painful to share his life and death, one of my coping mechanisms for this staggering void in my life is to imagine the two of us on a hike in the mountains. Parent and child. Talking. Questioning. Growing together. What might I say to him?
First of all, anything I might say presupposes my faith in God. He’s everything, is Truth, and through His lens (when I’m in a good place) I see the world. But in my years of meandering through space, what impressions of life have stayed with me that are worth sharing with my child? What comes to mind?
I understand why people are attracted to causes that don’t concern people whether it’s the earth, oceans, rain forests, dogs, cats, whales, art, culture and so on. I’ve certainly met my share of real stinkers over my life as we all have and it’s disheartening. But when I’m around truly inspirational individuals, which isn’t often, I’m in awe. Seek them out, your life will be enriched. Embrace them and not a tree.
Beware big egos. These people are a black hole that warp reality and drain relationships. And in time, because their focus is inward and not outward, they will negatively impact your life. Take is their moniker. Anyone whose sole purpose in life is “I” and thinks humility is weak is someone you want to put in your rear view mirror. Do it now and spare yourself the pain because it won’t be a minor cut but a major hurt.
Most of us know what is right and wrong. We tie our neurons into knots when we try to come up with an easy, safer solution or rationalize the ill-advised route. Ask yourself. When did I become such an appeaser? What specifically do I fear? Why am I open to any compromise that diminishes my humanity?
Pursuit of fame is such a crock. Goes back to the ego thing. And I hate that part of our culture that promotes it.
Life, in the purest sense, is simple … with unimagined nuance.
Life is not supposed to be fair. End of story. It’s how you navigate that uneven terrain which determines the kind of person you are.
You have a solid life foundation. I would recommend that you then trust your intuition. Draw on all those experiences, circumstances, and people you’ve encountered along the way. No need to read a book or do an elaborate, double-blind research project. React appropriately and you’ve probably made the right decision.
Satan is a perplexing element of existence, seemingly a part of reality’s scaffolding. It’s as if he’s a universal constant – like gravity. With the skill of a dancer, he moves among us. Floating. Hunting. Scoring.
Now let’s tie in free will. Thank God I’m free to hit a golf ball with my driver; I’m equally as free to hit my dog over the head with a crowbar. If God blocks my freedom – or the serial killer’s freedom – when it’s about to be unwisely exercised, am I really independent? No, I’m not. I would be enslaved by God. So how could I possibly “choose” to love Him if He controls my choices? The genius of God’s plan is that He invites me to love Him, but I can say no. So, from my perspective, there is a God, there is a plan for our lives, and our will is free to choose between God and Satan, good and evil. This dichotomy of action should always be paramount in your thinking as you move through the days of your life.
Let’s end with a big one. Religion. They all can’t be true since some are in conflict with one another. One god or thousands? Multiple lives or one? Do’s and don’ts versus a relationship with your Creator? Resurrected founder making exclusive claims or an ethical teacher? So, some religions at their very foundation don’t accurately reflect the essence of Truth. This seems so rational but saying it can be like throwing a grenade at a 4th of July parade.
The relativist might say that all religions are valid due to the experience of the adherents. And since this “experience” is all a construct of evolved neurons doing their synaptic dance to inspire optimism – you know, for survival – religion is nothing more than a reality game. That doesn’t fly. I only have to think of miracles, Fatima for example, or those in my life to know that transcendence exists. Deciphering it is another story and I would hope that all of us feel a need to unlock the mystery. And for you dear son, I pray that key is a Catholic one. But remember, all Christians are our brothers and sisters in faith.
I’ve got other things that we should talk about. But let’s save it for our next time together.
