This is Emily. Buena Onda Heros (monthly supporters) facilitate her critical ongoing eye care. THANK YOU.
I turn 50 next month. I know right? The old man conductor driving the time train, overalls and pipe bobbing from his lips, he slows for no one. When I was young I was rich in time, it was easy to take it for granted. But as the great Picasso said of aging, we don’t get older we get riper.
Today, from this foothill, I see the landscapes around me far clearer than before. I’ve determined in my heart to live a value centered life, a compass I’ve crafted and tweaked some 50 years now. I have 9 values: to say “yes” to God, to love, thoughtfulness, value diversity, to forgive always, advocate for others, give it away, live adventurously, and to be fearless.
What does it look like to love? Our world is blurred, teaching us to put ourselves and our countries first, above all else. I’m a Christian. Many who are in my life are not, that’s intentional because I’ve surrounded myself with all kinds of voices. Still, most of us admire beautiful people, I look at Jesus as the most beautiful person I’ve discovered. A statement he said was remembered and recorded by John, 60 years after his death. “The world will know you are my disciples by your love for one another.” Just before this he said, “A new command I give to you, that you love each other.” These were of his last words to his inner team, his tribe of brothers, before his death. It jumps to me, it grabs me, he had to command them to love each other.
How we speak to someone, how we speak of someone, how we treat others and advocate for others all speak of how we love. What we do with our time, our energy and our money speaks of our values. It is a map back to our hearts.
I was listening to Jake Zasky do a talk this week. I was moved by this line:
“The greatest book anyone will read of you is your life.”
May our lives, no matter what we believe of God and this world, reflect love. Like a fragrant scent extracted from a flower, like alcohol from a copper still, the purest form we can manage is what is needed in our world today. Because we are sisters and brothers.
*Thank you Buena Onda Heros for your monthly giving which enables us to love the people of Punta Colonet, Baja Ca, Mexico.
“The greatest book anyone will read of you is your life.” – Jake Zasky
With love, Chad.