Recently I just heard someone repeat the above Confucius’ quote. It is a sentiment that can be expressed in many different ways: You only get one go around on this merry-go-round of life; Carpe Diem; Make the most of today; You only have one life to live; We only have now.

It is kind of sad that generally, those who realize that life is incredibly short are those who are of a certain age and have more life behind them than in front. Or those who have experienced chronic illness or tragedy at a younger age. In either case, it is a question of staring down mortality and realizing that this is it. Today. Here and now.

Why do we think we have all the time in the world?

Of course, there are hours and days that seem to drag on. And on. And on. Mostly, those are times of unpleasant or difficult situations. Those are the days that seem to never end.

Or we think that once we have achieved … (fill in the blank) or obtained… (fill in the blank), THEN we can move on or do something. I know I have felt that way and have delayed truly living my life. Even with doing something small like starting a writing task, home project or inviting neighbors to dinner. But if we wait for everything to be “perfect” with “perfect conditions”, nothing will happen. The book won’t get written. The room won’t get painted. The opportunity to meet new friends will be gone.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how I spend my days and ultimately my life. On one hand, I realize that if I die tomorrow, that is it- I have done all that God wanted me to do. Yet I feel that I am not ready to die. I feel like I have more to offer and to do. As always, it is a balance of life: to recognize that we only have today and that we shouldn’t waste the day but to also realize that we should not feel stressed and “burn the candle on both ends” in trying to achieve everything. All at once.

It is interesting to see all the books and articles written about “how to have a fulfilling life”. (Google it and you will be amazed at what pops up.) Almost all of the resources talk about purpose and meaning in one’s life. Or living an authentic life. Sometimes, in my global, practical thinking mode I laugh. Only in a society of excess- excess of time and resources, can we do this navel gazing: how to be happy and fulfilled. When one is struggling to survive, these type of existential questions might not come up. And yet. These are questions that have plagued humankind since the beginning of time.

I think this search for meaning is part of our God-shaped vacuum in our souls, to paraphrase Blaise Paschal. But just because one may be filling one’s soul with God, it doesn’t mean that purpose, meaning and authenticity comes automatically. It is still a struggle to be in the world but not of it- to not be influenced by others but be the influence on others that God called us. We can do that by being kind, good, charitable, humble, and loving. By working heartily at whatever task God has called us. It might even require us to look at some of the articles by learned peoples to help us get the most out of living the best life God wants for us. Or studying what some of the ancients have written. After all, God put them on this earth and gave them a purpose too.

What about you? Do you ever wonder about your life? Do you feel that your life is fulfilled? Authentic? Filled with meaning and purpose? Are you in the world but not of it? How do you practice that?

“Teach us to number our days so that we may truly live and achieve wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (The Voice)

I have heard the expression, “the days are long but the years are short” in relationship to rearing children. I think that applies to our lives. I don’t know about you, but I am ready to live my authentic life- fully filled with and for God.

Shameless Plug: I received my copy of two books that I have had the privilege to contribute to both of them.