We all have a life to live. At (most) times, it may not seem like the life we wanted for ourselves, but it is the opportunity that we have been given. Grand or small. Seen or unseen. Every life matters to someone—and to everyone. We are given one opportunity at this physical existence. In the final hour, there should be no regrets.
I have been pulled this week by the prospect of loss and the fruits of my efforts—by sadness and joy. I am reminded of the Book of Ecclesiastes—“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Chapter 3). I am also reminded that everything is “meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1).
“Life is meaningless in the sense that it is vapor. As such, we must live in the moment—carpe momento—and be joyful. As a wise man once said, “everything is dust in the wind”. Perhaps the meaning of life is a Kansas song—not that life itself is meaningless; rather, all that we allow to burden us is hevel.”1
Hevel, the word translated as “meaningless” in Ecclesiastes, is the Hebrew word for vapor or smoke. So, maybe Dean Winchester (Supernatural) was right: the meaning of life is a Kansas song? But the word also means “breath.” It is the very life that passes through us—that unites us (Spiritually). Life, albeit meaningless, has meaning. It is an opportunity spent.
At the end of the day, we have had an impact on others. How we impact others depends on how with use the opportunity. At the end of the day, we can ask ourselves: “Did I leave it all in this room?”2. If not, there is (hopefully) tomorrow. Ideally, though, the answer at the end of the day is always, “yes.”
Begin and end each day with grattitude. Be intentional. Be Purposeful.
At the end of the day, have no regrets.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!!
1 https://www.carpefriggindiem.com/?p=3391
2 https://www.carpefriggindiem.com/?p=286