Alright, Just Take A Deep Breath

I have a confession to make (well, I have many, but let's start with one); it is easy for me to get worked up. Especially over church stuff! On one hand I think this is good, for it reflects my earnest passion that the church be everything the Lord wants it to be. On the other hand I think it is not healthy. I have to remind myself continually that life is marathon, not a sprint. I don't want to pray for patience, for I fear the test it will take to teach me patience. Yet, I need a good dose of it, and I need it right now.

I came across the words of Brother Jeremiah, a Christian Monk, and try to keep them close as a reminder not to take life TOO seriously. I thought I'd share them today:

If I had my life to live over again, I'd try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I know of very few things I would take seriously. I would take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers, and watch more sunsets. I would do more walking and looking. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I am one of those people who live prophylactically and sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another,instead of living so many years ahead each day. I have been one of those people who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat, aspirin, and a parachute. If I had it to do over again, I would go places, do things, and travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life t live over, I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would play more. I would ride on more merry-go-rounds. I'd pick more daisies.

Since none of us get to live our lives again, I have a suggestion for us (and it starts with me):
Lighten Up and LIVE! Go have some moments today!