The Fragility of Life

𝑹𝒆𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆

Deborah M. Jackson, M.Div., CPE Resident

Life is truly unpredictable. Circumstances take us by surprise, whether it be an unexpected layoff, death, or sickness. Unpredictability belongs even to the joys God brings into our lives - a welcomed promotion pops up, an open door to bring a vision to fruition, or just like that the spark of a new relationship bursts forth. No matter which side of life you find yourself today one thing holds true – moments are intended as a heavenly treasure. Part of what happens to all of us in our humanness is the natural inclination of rushing past the moments in order to get to the dreams still yet ahead. The other experience giving a good run to rob us are those things that take stifle the wind from us – discouragement, loss, disappointment, loneliness. Life here on earth falls on both sides and the hard part is balancing it all (the good, the bad, and the messy) without losing hope on one side and taking things for granted on the other. Jesus’ life teaches us this kind of flow. How do we live each day without insensitivity to the reality that each moment is precious because tomorrow isn’t promised? How do we live each day beyond a loss with a new consciousness of mind and heart to understand that the losses I now carry have changed me into someone new (perhaps even soul-fully better). Truth be told, all that’s promised is right now. We must plan for tomorrow, reflect and process the past, yet live in the moments of today. We may learn to soak in more peace, more joy, more breaths of fulfillment. These come most potently through moments doing things you love with people you truly love. Value moments are the two words for this week - value moments w/a conscious awareness of the fragility of life…