“The world is full of suffering. Birth is suffering; decrepitude is suffering; sickness and death are sufferings. To face a man of hatred is suffering; to be separated from a beloved one is suffering; to be vainly struggling to satisfy one’s needs is suffering. In fact, a life that is not free from desire and passion is always involved with suffering.” ~ Gautama Buddha
2019-2021 has been a period where we have witnessed much sickness and death, especially with the elderly. The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused everyone to stop and contemplate illness, old age, and death. Unfortunately, many have become overly obsessed with the future and have forgone the countless blessings they could be enjoying right now. Many worry and try to control the inevitable stages of life that none of us will ever avoid. The four pillars of our life that are out of our control are birth, sickness, old age, and death. We can’t control our birth, we will all get sick throughout our lives, we will grow old (unless we expire prematurely), and lastly, we all die in the end.
Are you trying to manipulate, delay or prevent the inevitable in your life?
We all have a choice for how we will live today. Our attitude and outlook on life will determine how each day will go. If we live today driven by the fear of the unknown, the fear of what others think, or the fear of what tomorrow might bring, then we rob ourselves of the treasures of today. On the other hand, if we live each day like it’s the first day and the last day of our lives, then each day is an adventure, full of anticipation and excitement. Despite which season of life we are in, we have a say-so in how our days go. If we strive to love God and love others, our days will be fulfilling and complete regardless of our present circumstances. Forget the pandemic, illness, infirmity, and death; they are coming for us all. Commit to living one day at a time. Love God, love others, and help change the world; there is no better way to live. How do we know? Because God said so, and we can take God’s word to the bank.
What needs to change in your attitude and outlook on life?
Lord, thank You for my life. I know there is no way to avoid birth, illness, aging, and physical death; please help me accept this truth. Please grant me the stamina to take each day as it comes, making the most of each day by living a life committed to love and service. Remove any obsession and fear I have about the stages of life that are beyond my control. Please give me the willingness to attend to those who are struggling with the seasons of life. In Your Spirit and Name, I pray these things. May Your will not mine always materialize, now and forever. Amen.
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