“We are rich only through what we give, and poor only through what we refuse.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
Today I am 56 years and 1 month old. A notable achievement to those who grew up with me. I am talking about those who recall my 16-23 year old period.
I can say without a doubt I never gave a moment’s thought to my age, station in life or anything other than myself in the present moment in those days. Of course I cannot remember most of those moments either and it is probably just as well!!! What I mean to say is inasmuch as I did not give the future any thought then, so now today that is equally true, for different reasons. In those 16-23 year old exploits I spent more time taking than I did in giving and though my life unfolded as it did by the grace of God, I am richer today in looking back.
The difference is today I seek to live out each moment as fully and completely as I can, not for me, but for those around me, those that love me, those I know, those I may come to know, and the total stranger I meet only for a brief moment.
Today that matters, back in the day it did not. Today those experiences fill my heart with joy satisfying an emptiness that only God knows about and only God can fill.
By awakening to the human experience, to the awareness of the struggles of others, to the Holy Spirit working in and through each circumstance in my life’s experience affords a glimpse of the beauty and wonder of God. God’s PERFECT LOVE!
In these moments I know that I am richer beyond measure. Being willing to be poured out as a moment of kindness leaves an indelible impression upon a heart and soul that I may never, ever meet again. But in that brief instant, we are connected for an eternity by and through the Holy Spirit! Not because of me, not by me, but by and because of God.
Living as an empty vessel to be filled and spilled as red wine through all of my cracks and crevices that only God knows about leaves an eternal mark on those we pass by on life’s journey.
I cannot in coherent terms explain what all this means and I cannot provide some grand theological framework or model. What I can do is tell you that God loves us, all of us, none excluded. For in order to Love Me, You, Us, God who is perfect, must love all regardless of who or what we are or become. God does not love by exception. He created, creates and promises to create.
This awareness brings me more peace than you can ever know, you may not agree and that is ok, because I am ok with that. I believe that Jesus came not to judge us but to save us and in so doing provided a way back to God for all of creation. In order for that to work, it must be for all people, for all time – past, present and future. As we say in the Creed, Jesus died, was buried, descended into hell and on the third day he rose.
That is powerful, compelling, and all encompassing! Jesus defeated sin, death and the devil for all people – past, present and future. He paid the price for all of creation. And so, for me, living life in the present moment with full consciousness of how I am loved, I seek to give as much of that moment to others as I can. Being present with others, for others is as much an experience in God’s Love as I think one can have. And for me that has made all the difference!
God’s Peace Be With You Always
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