While most religions teach us to look ahead to the afterlife
of heaven or hell and act accordingly. The idea of living now and enjoying what
you have is somewhat discouraged. Luke 12 tells the parable of the man that
tore down and built bigger. Enjoying what he had, but neglecting his soul. Some
religions, however, teach us to be present and not miss the blessings around
us. There needs to be a balance between these two philosophies. We should
reveling the experience, surroundings and life but also be living for something
beyond it.
Narrowing it down, the battle falls on society. Today, we
are not present. We chose to focus on the technology missing the moments around
us - case in point: Forgot my phone.
What we believe and support is constantly pressed for the now - instant
gratification of needs or desires. The future is often forgotten or disvalued.
This is further stressed in politics. Right now all the
turmoil is extremely high. We fight over the now, today's problems, burdening
our future with unsolvable trepidations. Instead of considering the long term consequences,
we ignore them, relying on the next generation to deal with them.
What does this say about us then? We value our life, our
comfort, our now, more than our children or our future. We value our life more
than those around us, and why shouldn't we? Isn't that part of the survival of
the fittest?
So today, look up. Count the blessings you have and give
thanks for them. Revel in the now, but know that one day, your now will end.
The legacy you leave behind is reflected in decisions made now.
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