Slow Down, Don't Move Too Fast

An infant is just that, an infant. His primary focus is basic survival, to eat, drink, be clean and warm, and most of all, to be loved. As he gains awareness of self and environment and as his body grows, he begins to crawl, exploring his world. He later learns to walk, and then, all changes for him and his family. Walking turns to running and the race to grow up begins. Infant to toddler to child to teen to adult and eventual senior living.

In Greek mythology, the Sphinx asked a riddle of travelers. If the traveler failed to solve the riddle, then the Sphinx killed him/her. If the traveler answered the riddle correctly, then the Sphinx would destroy herself. The riddle: What goes on four legs in the morning, on two legs at noon, and on three legs in the evening? Oedipus solved the riddle, the answer being man, who crawls on all fours as a baby, walks on two legs as an adult, and walks with a cane in old age and the Sphinx destroyed herself.

We as humans jump oh so early into the race of growing up. We want what we are not ready to have. Unfortunately, we often give up what we later discover was more important than what we strived to obtain. We reach the middle age of our lives and surprisingly, we begin to wish for our youth, that we once so eagerly gave away. Regrets that rock the foundation of our souls are terrible things to carry into our old age.

Spending time with my most beloved elder in my life is both sad and joyful. She has lived a grand life and has many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, who visit her and love her. She will forever mourn the passing of her most beloved husband. Age is robbing her of her memories and time will eventually force her to lose her freedom and independence. That is where the sadness lies. The joy lies in the love that surrounds her life. The joy lies in the knowledge that she has had a good life. The joy also lies in the reality that she awaits her passing, looking forward to being reunited with her most beloved, living forever in the Grace and Presence of her Creator. I doubt if she has any real major regrets, excluding her regret that she outlived her beloved.

I encourage you, my friend and reader, to slow down and embrace the present of life that is yours in the here and now. Slow down the need to move too fast, to gain it all. Begin to breath, observe, and be grateful for all that is yours, in this time, in this moment, of this life you live. Take time to love, to sit with those you love, to build memories and relationships, to grow close to God. Old age will come, and how much more grand it will be with few regrets, surrounded by love, and with a mind full of memories that others only dream about. Choose wisely, live joyfully, and pray continuously.


(The writings in this post are random thoughts and observations and are NEVER intended as professional or personal advice. Take what works and leave the rest. For information on mental health and/or substance abuse help, visit http://www.rodneyvalandra.com and refer to the links page.)