Friday, May 4, 2012

Defining Minutes

A minute can make such a difference. We can miss a flight, have an accident, break a leg, have a diagnosis that changes our life forever. After two months, I’m adjusting to such a defining minute that haschanged the trajectory of my five year plan. Now, the future is laden with possibilities and ripe with choice. After my early morning dash to the hospital fearing the worst, I feel that I’ve been incredibly blessed to have emerged without serious complications or disability. It is a gift from God and I’m truly grateful. When folks close to my heart are living with hope while watching the shadows of death, I feel an urgency to redeem the precious gift of time. Some people are so highly organized that listening to the details of their day makes me breathless and envious. However, I want to spend time meaningfully whether at play or at work. As I prepare for the last decade of work, it is imperative that time is prioritized as there are many diversions. Some, I intend to enjoy to brighten the journey but I can so easily get distracted from my primary goals. For me, getting ready for heaven does not mean winding down on earth. Living life fully is part of the preparation of the journey. The only certainty that humans have is that life will end eventually. Although, all ages die; statistically, those over sixty are closer to life’s end than those in their thirties. So at this stage, it is helpful to be dealing with greater certainty. Someone gave me estimates for wooden and aluminum steps. I wanted a structure that was maintenance free. As I was about to choose the aluminum one, I was told that the wooden step would last thirty years. Both the salesman and I laughed as we realized it’s hardly likely that I’ll be around. I think that I’ve bought the last piece of Royal Grafton china. It is beautiful but I’m undecided. Do the years of enjoyment merit the investment? After all, my family may not care for it. My Cuisinart food processor should outlive me but I enjoy kitchen gadgets so will replace whatever happens, I can see much clearer as the years have past. Distant peaks of the final mountain range can be glimpsed as time has provided me with “eterno-focal” lenses through which to view the world. Through these lenses, I can forgive human frailties, recognizing the human desire for self-preservation. Maya Angelou identified courage as the most important attribute. Recent events have convinced me that her choice reflected her wisdom. Without courage, we cannot be loyal to our convictions, our values or our friends. Without courage, we cannot seize the opportunities we are offered or anticipate and enjoy the closing decades of our lives. I plan to enjoy this journey and to learn even more along the way.