When You Look Into the Mirror...

When you look back at yourself many years from now, and ask whether you lived the way you determined you should, do the thing expected and ponder whether life could have been greener; but do this with the knowledge that there is more to you now, as then, than you realize; and whatever you do, do not look too deeply, for the life you chose was just that: a choice. It was given to you. You did not earn it, and you will not keep it, so do from here on the things you were afraid to do, and say from here on the things you wished you had before. Then, when you've finished wandering the broad halls of regret, look then straight ahead, into your own eyes, and know that you were and are a gift from the Father, whose life gave meaning to those around you, whether you knew it or not. Every life is a life of substance, whose value will become all the clearer when you stand with the one who made it. "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror," Paul declares. "Then we shall see face to face." Live the rest of your life, then, knowing that there is in you a light from the Father, in whose radiance you will soon stand, free from accusation.

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A White Post-Christmas

I just came back from my brother's renewal of vows. He lives in Wisconsin, and this particular week, they experienced colder-than-average temperatures. I could tell because my hands began to go numb as I attempted to tie down a trailer after last night's reception. As a result, I appreciated the fact that the temperature in Stockton was in the mid-sixties when I came back. It was, however, good to take part in this, a dream of my brother and sister-in-law, after at least two years without seeing them. I saw the incredible support of their friends, who helped set up the day before, took part on the day of the event, and stayed late to help clean up. Aware of how tired everyone was late last night, one of Chris's friends even lent Chris his truck to take the last of the decorations home, a favor that allowed the family to return home before two o'clock in the morning last night. Here are some of the highlights: 1. Hearing on a plane what sounded like a baby's fi...

Heroes

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The Nice Guy Fallacy

I read part of a poem recently by one of my favorite poets. It reads: I envy not in any moods The captive void of noble rage The linnet born within the cage That never knew the summer woods. I envy not the beast that takes His license in the field of time Unfetter'd by the sense of crime To whom a conscience never wakes. Nor what may call itself as bles't The heart that never plighted troth But stagnates in the weeds of sloth Nor any want-begotten rest. I hold it true, whate'er befall I feel it, when I sorrow most 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. At base, Tennyson contrasted a life of risk, and consequent pain, with one of security. He sides conclusively with the life of risk, and says he fails to envy those who have faced no hardship. I agree with him; and, for good or ill, his words are just as relevant today as they were in the nineteenth century. Like then, there are those today who choose to live their lives with as little risk as...

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