In recent weeks I have experienced again first hand the joys and challenges of parenthood. My daughter and her children stayed with us for a couple of weeks while her husband was overseas. Unfortunately, they all became ill - except for me. There had to be a shift in my usual routine, in my thinking and in my expectations for this short period of time. My house was messy, my jobs incomplete and my freedom to do as I please was somewhat limited. But I loved it! I realised how rich life can be when there are children in the home. One cannot afford to become pre-occupied with oneself as the priority of life is to meet the needs of others.
I have also had opportunity in recent weeks to spend time with people at the other end of the scale - adults whose lives are not often interrupted by such demands. They have the freedom to travel, to rest, to socialise and to generally live life as they please. Yet, they seem sad. As the realisation of the finiteness of life looms larger each day, there seems to be a gradual pre-occupation with the needs of self. Conversation often revolves around health issues, recreational pursuits and finances - while the 'big' issue which faces us all is carefully overlooked.
It's intriguing that the closer we get to the end of this life, the more we cling to our sense of self. The concept of eternity in many people's minds is not a reality so this life is all there is! But I think life becomes hollow and somewhat meaningless when our only priority is to nurture ourselves because our time on earth is limited! It is too 'linear.' We benefit from relationships that are built across the generations. This means that our time will not always be 'our own' as we sow into the lives of others. There will be some sacrifice required. The wisdom of our years can be shared with our younger friends and family - a legacy for future generations. Life becomes richer and multi-layered. We too can learn and be stimulated by the ideas and experiences of younger people. Although the body will decay physically, our ideas, world views, values and beliefs can continue to influence the next generation and beyond.
I have also had opportunity in recent weeks to spend time with people at the other end of the scale - adults whose lives are not often interrupted by such demands. They have the freedom to travel, to rest, to socialise and to generally live life as they please. Yet, they seem sad. As the realisation of the finiteness of life looms larger each day, there seems to be a gradual pre-occupation with the needs of self. Conversation often revolves around health issues, recreational pursuits and finances - while the 'big' issue which faces us all is carefully overlooked.
It's intriguing that the closer we get to the end of this life, the more we cling to our sense of self. The concept of eternity in many people's minds is not a reality so this life is all there is! But I think life becomes hollow and somewhat meaningless when our only priority is to nurture ourselves because our time on earth is limited! It is too 'linear.' We benefit from relationships that are built across the generations. This means that our time will not always be 'our own' as we sow into the lives of others. There will be some sacrifice required. The wisdom of our years can be shared with our younger friends and family - a legacy for future generations. Life becomes richer and multi-layered. We too can learn and be stimulated by the ideas and experiences of younger people. Although the body will decay physically, our ideas, world views, values and beliefs can continue to influence the next generation and beyond.
Love it, Mum. Thanks for sowing so much in our direction. xc
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