That time when you remember how short life really is, and conveniently find extra time to contemplate on things.
We’ve all been there. Well, some would rather say it never “occurs” to them, like it’s a choice. I guess it is a choice, but when you really think about, we’re all given that opportunity more than we can count (meaning definitely more than once).
Some may say that they don’t like to “bring the past back to life”. There’s really nothing wrong with that (except in some cases), but what I’m talking about is how each of us are reminded of exactly how short out time here on Earth really is. You can go ahead and assume this is another religious rant based on something non-existent. I’ll be fair: it is a “religious” rant, though I won’t really focus too much on religion than a personal relationship with a higher being that sounds more like a dare than an invitation (in a good way, of course).
I’m not one to sugar up anything, unless circumstances require I do otherwise. For the most part, I like to keep integrity. (It’s one of those things I find super attractive when I see them in people.) I used to have OCD, but that doesn’t mean that I’m going to break this up into impossibly teeny-bitty pieces. This isn’t a guide (hopefully, it doesn’t turn into that), rather it’s just food for thought.
The other Sunday, the pastor of my church began to talk about how these days, everything seems to be borrowed. Now, if you want to get into an academic and ethical argument about that you may, but with someone else (at the moment, at least). I will say this, though: I understand that almost everything in the world is derived from one thing or another. I mean, even science suggests we all came from one tribe before we all broke into bits and pockets of people around the globe. What he was saying was simply this: it seems as if no one is able to think on their own anymore. Of course, this was after acknowledging the fact that we’re all taught in one way or another; our ideas, techniques, and such are all made up of other bits and parts of other ideas, which were also made up of parts taken from other ideas. However, we are all able to, in one way or another, enter into an argument possessing our own educated guesses, informed opinions, and collected facts. At least, that what he said each of us was supposed to be able to do. He mentioned that, especially in social media (where many of his colleagues and acquaintances keep contact with him), people just, “skim, like, and repost.” I couldn’t help but agree. Unfortunately, I am acquainted with a number of people on social media that like and repost for 2 reasons: 1) for “like-backs” (reciprocation) or 2) they saw how many “likes” it got and decided to use that to get noticed. There’s a number of issues with this.
Firstly, it rids someone of originality. This is dangerous not only for people involved with the literature, art, music, etc., but it is also dangerous for the everyday person. Referring to what I said earlier about how short life is, a lot of people make a good point when they say, “life is too short to be a photocopy of someone else.” In order for each of us to really see what kind of impact we can have in the world, we’d have to be our original selves. In the “worldly” view, it’s both good and bad. It’s good because it can be the means for you to get noticed (or ignored, if that’s what you’re into), but it’s also bad because being “too original” can often put you in a portrait soaked with unfamiliarity that it scares people away (or attracts scary people to you). In the Christian view, it’s about the same. It’s good because you’ll be able to do what God really wants you to do with your life according to His will, but it’s bad because often times, it comes with challenges and obstacles people unfamiliar with faith will refuse to even try to overcome.
This leads to the second issue: it is a sign of a feign Christian and leads to danger. I don’t mean to step on toes (necessarily), but I have 7 beautiful words for the Christians out there: Christians who think for themselves survive life. The “life” I’m referring to here is what many of use refer to as the “source” of heartaches, lost hopes, broken dreams, disappointments, and the like. (We could go on and on with that list.) He mentioned how even blogs have become nothing more than a reprint of famous and favorite evangelists, authors, and personalities. That ticked off this little blogger. When we learn to read our Bibles (not just literally, but with the guidance of the Holy Spirit), when we learn to spend sufficient time with God, and when we learn what the Holy Spirit is really like, we kept from selling ourselves out to a created thing. This is especially true with Christians who tell everyone else that they’re selling themselves out, without realizing they themselves have sold their souls for the words of a man who potentially had the thought of making more money with his words and “talents” than actually saving people. There are many people out that are, in fact, wolves in sheep’s clothing; they smell of roses but hide ravenous, hungry claws and teeth. Although God says He’ll make a fool out of the fool (by using the fool anyway to bring His people back to Him), He still encourages us to be alert and prudent (although not necessarily too skeptical). A word of warning: preachers like that often lead you to commit some kind of sin, all the while justifying it with empty words and misused scripture. However, to be fair, I should also say that anyone surrounding themselves with only the world and all its lusts will end up doing something like that: investing hope in something that could never be depended on in the first place.
Life is, in fact, too short to be the photocopy of anything or anyone. We’re all created equal, but we’re all created with our own patterns, with our own colors and glitter. Sure, we may not favor that exact pattern, but people with meaningful lives and strong spirits make the best of what they have, regardless of circumstance, social class, or financial standing. They are the ones we remember, not their photocopies. One of the most beautiful things that God teaches us is that even if the mark you left is on one person, that alone could change the whole world. It may be small, but big things are made up of many smaller things.
That whole thing about not being able to think for yourself leads to this next thing: the people in your life. Okay, so I’m pretty sure everyone’s going to be kicking me in the butt for butting in, but (see what I did there? LOL!!!) we all know this, whether you’re subconsciously or consciously aware. Wise elders (and the occasional wise young adults) often say that those you hold unforgiven have a kind of power in your life. Ain’t that about right? People you despise (especially on the Internet) you tend to stalk so you can troll them or bash them, or so you can gossip and criticize them. Again, life is too freaking short to be doing that. Sure, gossiping is a part of “growing up”, but let’s not forget that “growing up” is a part of growing up, okay? There are so many amazing people out there that want to meet you (or might even need to meet you), but you can’t meet them because you’re too busy over one person. There are groups out there that need your help and there are ideas that need movements to carry them and are waiting for you to start or help propel that movement, but you’re too busy hating on just one group. Really think about it. The whole day, doing just one thing that isn’t even worth it. Four words: mentally, emotionally, spiritually draining. There’s no real life there. Of course, the world being the way that it is, it can be, but I don’t recommend it. Forgive and forget? Nope. See, there’s a problem with that. You can forgive, but you can never really forget. Therefore, when Jesus said forgive your brother 77 times 77 times, I think He meant that every time you remember it but forgive your brother for it, you take another step closer to a better, much freer life. Many people claim to know what “freedom” really is, but they’re never really free unless they let go of those chains that keep them on the ground. Here’s an extra, the more you forgive someone, the wiser you become. However, when you follow that “forgive and forget” rule, you’re just risking another repeat. I’m not sure anyone wants that.
That leads to the third and last one: what are you investing in? Of course, we could talk business all freaking day, but let’s not. Instead, let’s talk about investing in living things and things that give life a better quality. Sure you can be financially well-off, but that won’t necessarily mean you’re happy or that you’re living a meaningful life (meaningful to others, I mean). Honestly, I could say that I don’t give a rat’s ba-donk-a-donk about what people think or say about me, but I do want to leave a mark that will say that I tried to do good. I also want to see that I did something with my life, like change people’s lives for the better. Are we investing in family, or the stock market? Are we investing in shoes, or someone to walk the beach barefoot with? Are we investing in songs that bring life, or songs and people that sell? Are we trying to invest in the answer to that ever-so-common question, “what is the purpose of life”? Are we investing in happiness or temporary satisfaction? Are we investing in joy everlasting or a subjective and temperamental following? Are we investing in love, so that we can pass it around to truly make the world a better place, or are we investing in teach others to simply turning a blind eye for our own selfish reasons?
Life is too short. Tomorrow is never (ever) promised. Footprints in the sand are washed away by the waves, but footprints made in stone remain even after the flood. Make life happen. Make life memorable. Make life matter. And when you’re done, help others do the same. Life is too short to wait for the “perfect time” to make a mark. If it’s perfect you’re looking for, it’ll never come. Choose to live in the present, occasionally peering into the horizon. Love. Hope. Forgive. Have fun. Change lives. Life is short, but don’t let that stop you from trying to live well.
To cap that off, here’s a little something for the walk home…or train ride, or something. I haven’t listened to a lot of her songs, but this is one of my favorites. The meaning is etched so deeply, especially in the chorus.
Enjoy:
blackredinkoneverything 