My husband and I often differ on my philosophizing. He sometimes wonders how much it really matters in my day-to-day life. Sometimes I can see his point, matters of spiritualism don’t really matter when simple needs aren’t being met. However, for me, if there’s no hope or meaning to life, then there’s no reason for living.
My latest epiphany has been rather helpful to my everyday life. Too often I have seen people living for death. They live their life waiting for the day they die so that it can be all over and the suffering will end. Others live so that they will be able to gain their great reward in Heaven. Still others live trying to hold on to every bit of life that they can fearing what will come when they face death. Maybe they fear an abyss or even Hell. I realized that life is more than what comes at the end. It’s the journey that matters and it’s the journey that gives my life meaning. I want to live for that journey and be thankful for every day of my life. Sure, the end is important, but so is today.
Then, I came to understand just this week that my spirit is more than just what’s inside my body. I am more than I ever imagined. All those things that I thought I would become a part of when I died, I already am a part of. I am connected to the life force of the universe. I am connected to the chain of love that extends beyond the reaches of time and space. I don’t have to die to be part of God and His creation.
So, does this change my everyday life? Yes, it does. Of course, it does. God commands that I love my brother and sisters in Christ as I would myself. I begin to love myself and then I try my best to love my brothers and sisters in the same way even though it may be very challenging. Then, I finally understand that we are all one in the same. It isn’t as challenging to love a part of myself as it is to love something disconnected from me. I understand now that somehow everyone of my brothers and sisters in Christ is a part of me just like my foot is a part of my body. How can I hate someone who is as much as part of myself as I am? I can’t. I have more reason now than ever to try to see the world with love, compassion, and understanding.
I don’t know where my journey goes now, but I do know that I am connected to all life and all life is connected to me. We all have the light of God within us and that makes us one.
My faith saved me. May God’s peace reside in all of our hearts.
