Waiting On The Future

Do we work to live or live to work?

Last year, we took our first cruise.  Our daughter and grandsons came with us and it was an unforgettable experience. 

This time, we went alone and we can feel the difference.  No doubt the boys would not enjoy this ship as much as its much larger sister ships, so this would not be as exciting and fun filled for them.

For us, though, it is a reminder that life is worth living rather than spending it waiting on the future.

We had a bit of a mortality reminder this morning when Kathy  complained about a heart flutter.  It happens from time to time but her medication usually keeps it at bay.  This time it lasted a while longer than she found comfortable.

One never knows how many more opportunities one will have to pack up and go meet the world head on.  Cruises, excursions and massages in the spa are all luxurious.  Should we feel guilty?

I am reminded of Martha and Mary and the opposing views on how best to spend the time with Jesus, serving him or listening to him.  Life should be filled with both, right?  Moments of doing and of being.

It is a great rationalization to be sure,  but it is also a reality of life.  This time together, being present and listening to each other is priceless and it will pass quickly.

As I write this, we are at sea with nothing but an endless horizon and a few seagulls visible.  They fly by, rising and gliding on the wind, reminders that we are not far from shore, not far from the pressures and demands of the life we have temporarily set aside.

We will enjoy this time and be thankful to God that we rise each morning to be willing examples of his amazing creation.

For one day that future will come and everything will change.