INEVITABLE RECKONING

Nothing says inevitable reckoning like birthdays. As children we looked forward to them with nearly as much anticipation as Christmas. Then imperceptibly one day we cross an invisible line and much like the dread of January credit card bills Christmas represents for some, we view the upcoming date of our birth. I think it begins when the first “friend” jokingly says, “hey, you’re getting old.” Sets in for real when we realize we are listening to music five years old or more, unable to get into the new stuff no matter how hard we try. You receive your 20-year reunion notice and think, “where has the time gone?” catching yourself looking in the mirror with a critical eye, wondering how you will measure up against your classmates and if that gym membership is still active.

The march of time does not take breaks and only moves in one direction for us, seemingly picking up steam the further down the path we travel. So what is one to do? Live in the day, for the only time we have in truth is this moment. The only time we can be present for life is in this moment, the only time we can be present for God is right now. Do not allow yourself to project into the future or dwell on the past, for they lead us inexorably into morbid reflection, regardless of our original intent. Make plans and set goals of course, but we do not hang our happiness or peace of mind on whether or not our script is followed, we stand ready to change direction immediately if and when it is indicated.

Live One Day At A Time, staying in the here and now and the tomorrows will take care of themselves. We must be about God’s business, trusting and relying on Divine Love and Guidance, for only in so doing is true peace, growth and serenity realized.