The Sage

Is this all there is? I have lived long and hard upon this Earth, by the grace of God, and am left asking myself, is this all there is? I have fought in three wars, and battled cancer. I have buried my wife, both of my children, and placed my granddaughter in her grave just this morning, God rest her soul. I have outlived all of my friends, too. Every morning I awake once more to a body that hurts, reminding me of age and careless moments in life. I find, each morning, that I am still alive. I find each morning that I am alone. I ask God, each morning, is this all there is?

Is there no more? Is it enough I have lived long and hard upon this Earth, and I have partied like there is no tomorrow? Is it enough I have lived and loved, raised children and grandchildren, and have memories for several more lifetimes because of my family and friends? And, now that I am alone, I must ask, is there no more?

The candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long. When one door closes, another door opens. As this life comes to an end, as this path approaches another fork, there is the mystery of what adventure lies around the next bend.

Have no regrets of the life lived; it has been preparation for all that lies ahead. If you have not lived fully, if you have not found faith, if love has escaped you, again, let not your heart be troubled. Another chance to excel awaits you in the next life and the numerous lives after that. It is really not about the destination, for what awaits us there will always be there, when we eventually arrive. Immerse yourself in the present journey, and let loose the bonds of anticipation.  

Live for today and there will be an eternity of rest tomorrow, or the day after.  With any luck, and God's good grace, tomorrow never comes.