Hajja Salesjana

loud like a siren that the end of the world is near if I opt to go for a walk or a swim... Alas often we become aware of how enmeshed, entrenched and embedded deep within our collective psyche is the drilling and drumming mentality that we must never be seen to be doing nothing much, way too late. ‘Being’ is constantly berated by ‘doing’ in our society. Hence, we risk not appreciating our health, not relishing our time, not looking after our relationships and not responsibly and honestly enjoying life’s journey, which only comes about once. We tend to forget that life is only a one way ticket! Have we really got to end up burnt out, snuffed out or lying flat out in a hospital bed to actually finally come to terms with the truth that life is a precious, fragile gift which must be savoured, protected and nourished moment by moment, day by day, year by year? ... How fulfilling it would be at life’s dwindling dusk to be able to look back and realise that I have truly lived, that I have truly touched the lives of others by bringing light, love, goodness, kindness, mercy and authenticity wherever I went and with whomever I crossed paths with as I journeyed onwards through life’s highs, lows and in-betweens. How great it would be, to realise that I have really and truly lived my life with purpose, and not simply squandered it all, by barely breathing in a fast-paced, rat- race type of existence ending up shrivelled, threadbare and disillusioned... It is high time to realise that life is indeed a gift and what we manage to make out of it when we truly appreciate it, is our unique gift back to God who has lent us time and who will ask us when we will see Him face to face, how we have used it. What will our reply be: I was too busy to live life? I was too ‘important’ to cherish the moment and enjoy the company of my family? I had no time to just be but to do all the time?... Or will I thank the Lord for the adventure of life, for what I have learnt on the way?... Will I thank Him for the gift of love, family, friends and the many beautiful places I have seen on the way? Will I truly thank Him for the gift of being really and truly alive? If that would be our reply, sure enough the Lord of Life will smile with joy and will beckon us into His Kingdom of Light, Love and Eternal Life telling us, “Well done good and faithful servant. You have been found loyal in little things and enjoyed the gift of life I have given you, making good use of it, increasing your talents and gifts as you went along, glorifying Me in so doing. Now come into My Kingdom and enjoy the bounty and beauty beyond compare of Eternal Life!” Ah what joy it will be to hear those words, and how satisfying to know that by actually savouring life responsibly while on Earth, I was glorifying the One who gave it to me in the first place! ... The choice is in our hands as from NOW! Photo by Mike Scheid - Unsplash.com Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh - Unsplash.com 4 Lulju-Settembru 2024 hajja