What Once Was
A friend shared with me that what holds her back from following forward is not being able to do what she used to do the way she used to do it, so she just doesn't do it.
I totally understood that.
The fact that I am not the same as I once was is undeniably clear when I make the old lady noises as I get up from a sitting position.
As we age, we look back fondly at the way we were.
Ahh, yes, the glory days.
I wonder if we knew we were in the good ole days when we were in them.
I'm going to guess we didn't.
We were probably doing the same silly stuff we do now:
Comparing ourselves to others
Wishing things were as good as they were once
Wishing we were different
Wishing things were different
Wishing things were as they will be once we (insert whatever future state we tell ourselves will bring us the contentment we seek)
Here is the truth: You are now standing in the glory days you will look back on someday with sentimental longing.
Even with your current struggles and strife, there is a part of your life that is happening right now that, someday in the not-so-distant future, you will wish you still had.
As I write this today, terrible fires are burning in California, and thousands have lost their homes. Entire communities are wiped out, and so many are hurting. The devastation is just unbelievable.
In the horrific moments of life's suffering, the silly worries we once had disappear instantly.
Survival, family, friends, and the things we hold dear are all that matter.
A reckoning of clarity occurs in our spirit when faced with life and death.
I'm certain that the people suffering from that devastation are not worried about the things they were concerned about the week before.
I'm sure they are grateful to be alive amidst the significant loss and despair.
I bring this up as a loving reminder to focus on the gift of the present moment we find ourselves in.
Comparative longing for the past or future is not a productive use of the fleeting time and energy that we have right here and now.
You are here.
You are alive.
You are.
Ask anyone who has experienced significant loss, and they will shake you and tell you with great passion to live in the moment and not take anything you have for granted.
Today is the only day you will live on January 10, 2025.
You don't know what tomorrow holds.
So live, my friend.
Live in today and be grateful for every moment.
Be grateful for every second you have the great fortune to be here - right here, right now.
Live your life and do all that is in your heart to do.
Even if you can't do it like you used to. Do it.
Even if others seem to do it better. Do it.
Even if you can't do it perfect. Do it.
Live your life, and don't shrink back for one more minute.
Not everyone gets this opportunity.
Psalm 118: 24
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Philippians 4: 12-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
1 Corinthians 1: 3-4
Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts and encourages us in every trouble so that we will be able to comfort and encourage those who are in any kind of trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.