Wednesday, September 1, 2004

Ah, September has arrived again. Daylight continues on its increasing decline; the Midwest loses approximately 1 minute of daylight each day until the winter solstice. Fall is approaching our doorstep and majestic colors of autumn are just around the corner.

Now, depending on your personal state of mind, you are either happy to see autumn approach (as you revel in the fall colors) or you are unhappy to see autumn approach (as you are dismayed at the also-approaching winter). Time and seasons, seasons and time - both processes we march to and often times allow to dictate our lives and our moods. It was Albert Einstein who so eloquently stated, "Space and time are modes by which we think, not conditions under which we live."

We have become quite habitual in our personal recording of time. We joyfully celebrate birthdays in the younger years and know that with each passing year, we receive greater privileges, freedoms and responsibilities. By middle age, we celebrate birthdays and praise ourselves by still being in somewhat good shape and hoping that we can relinquish some of our social obligations so we can relive our youth again. And for some, there is hope - with each passing birthday - that retirement is just around the corner and "I'll get to do all the things I've always wanted to do..." We are most strange that way; we often allow the weather, seasons and time to dictate our mood, our goals and even our personal development.

I must personally admit that my birthday is not a day of great concern or revelation for me. Don't get me wrong - I enjoy the gifts and fanfare. Only I would prefer the gifts and fanfare every day of the year... in the same fashion as how I celebrate my birthday: every day of the year.

You are given an unknown amount of space and time in this Life and there are limited personal restrictions or conditions (personal faith beliefs excluded) that are placed on you. You can do, be and see anything you want. Even more so, there are no restrictions and conditions on what you think and feel. You can think and feel the entire spectrum of the human experience. But bear in mind that the larger questions remain:

• What is it that you truly believe about this space and time (your life) you find yourself in?
• And what is it that you feel you are called to do and be in this Life?
• Finally, what ultimately is your personal gift to share with others?

Answer these questions and time and age become meaningless; for you are living today, this moment, in your unique and splendid manner.

As I've often heard it said, "Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional." It is true, our bodies will wither with time. It's a fact of life, but that doesn't mean you have to "think" your age. Keep a youthful mind by keeping hope alive in your life - hope for yourself, hope for others, hope for your world. Regardless of the vessel it finds itself in, youth remains and time is endless where hope burns eternal.