This week, sadly, I learned of the passing of four different people I thought of as friends. Not best friends, but friends that I have come to know through the years and interacting on social platforms. Friends with whom I shared my life with, who knew sometimes more than others closest to me. Friends who could discern if I was having a good day, a great day, and yes, a bad day. Friends I shared my thoughts on about the world, my work, and my latest travels. Friends I let “in” to my circle.
Most did not know each other, and in fact these four did not. However, each were my friend. When I learned of their passing, I thought of their own “dash” and each having fulfilled their “dash”. You know, the period between the time one is born, and the time one dies. With each passing, I paused to reflect on life’s purpose for and of each of individual’s mission. Thinking of what we leave behind and in general doing our part to make the world a better place, including my own purpose. I am of the belief that we all have a purpose to fill in God’s, The Creator, The Great Spirit’s, plan. Oh, I know who I am and such, but have you ever just stopped to think what is God’s purpose your own life? Including in that, do you ever stop to reflect on a certain situation, or when people are brought in and out of your life, in different seasons, or places that just seem a one off. There have been many of these instances throughout my life. This is the point in most instances where I pause and stop and think, “what was that about”?
I have had this same thought since I was 20. Yet, I keep pressing on, doing right and doing good. As I mentioned in my book, “Standing in the Light: A Memoir” (available for purchase{check the tab in the menu for direct link}) I had a life changing experience in 1984. (You gotta buy the book to find that part out, insert smile emoji). I knew after that enlightening experience, I had a purpose. I just wasn’t quite sure how to “find it.” So, I began my life’s journey in pursuit thereof, in my young life, taking with me the lessons learned and told to me that night in my conversation with God.
Today, upon reflecting of the passing of my friend’s life, and the eventual mortality of my own life and its purpose, I came across a poem by John Henry Newman. That was not by coincidence. For the record, I do not believe in serendipity. I believe that was God answering my life long question about my purpose through the words of another. Ironically enough, today is is Newman’s 210th birthday. See what I am talking about. It is not by chance.
When I read A Meditation, that was enough to give me the answer, and satisfy me. So, while we may not know exactly the “why” or the “what”, we press on and do good and one day we will know. In the meantime, I will share Cardinal John Henry Newman’s, poem with you.
A Meditation
GOD has created me to do Him some definite service: He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission – I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.
I AM a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good, I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place while not intending it – if I do but keep His commandments.
THEREFORE I will trust Him. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him: in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends, He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me – still He knows what He is about. ~John Henry Newman
Make your dash count. Each day indeed is a gift, celebrate it. You only get one chane at it. As I say, Carpe Diem! ~Angie
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