Right Now

Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance,
but to do what lies clearly at hand.
-- Thomas Carlyle

I can begin to see what lies clearly at hand -
not a dream or goal years away from now.
All I have is right now.
Tonight I can build my future foundations by working on me.

Now Or Never

Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers.
Pray for powers equal to your tasks.
Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle,
but you shall be the miracle.
-- Phillips Brooks

Living is a thing you do,
now or never!
Which do you?
-- Piet HeinGrooks

Cherish all your happy moments:
They make a fine cushion for old age.
-- Booth Tarkington

Being Ready to Die

How can we be prepared to die?
By not having any unfinished relational business.
The question is: Have I forgiven those who have hurt me and asked forgiveness from those I have hurt?
When I feel at peace with all the people I live with, my death might cause great grief, but it will not cause guilt or anger.
When we are ready to die at any moment, we also are ready to live at any moment.

-- Henri Nouwen

Wisdom = Living Life

One cannot have wisdom without living life.

--Dorothy McCall

Understanding circumstances, other people, even myself, comes with the passage of time and my willingness to be open to all the lessons contained within a moment.
Immersion in the moment accompanied by reflective quiet times promises a perspective that offers me wisdom.
I all long for happiness, an easier life, and wisdom.
I have learned so slowly that both happiness and the easier life are generally matters of attitude. Therein lies my sought-after wisdom.
How much simpler it makes living through even my most feared experiences when I have acquired the wisdom to know that the mind I carry into the moment, any moment, will be reflected in the outcome.
It takes patience and willingness to live fully enough to reap the benefits that accompany wisdom.