Often though these life quotes seem cheesy and often about good karma and kindness over-riding negative stuff, which seem nice but unfortunately make us so over-used to quotes that when a half decent one comes along we put it in the same corny category as those ones befitting the sides of coffee mugs and posters from new age gift shops.
Recently I heard one which on first impression sounds like all the rest - but made me stop and really think it over. So much so that I had to write it down in my iPhone straight away and I probably didn't get it perfect but here's the gist.
We as humans often live our lives out in ways which take us safely to our deaths
The speaker was actually quoting someone else - but explaining how most of us live the day to day usually avoiding any kind of discomfort. We want our lives to be free from any kind of personal deprivation, danger or human risk. We avoid so much - in order to stay safe and comfortable.. sometimes without even thinking. Automatically saying "no" to opportunities that would bring us drama... for example jobs, trips, even social engagements that might stretch us way too much.
I used to think if I ever got the opportunity to volunteer in a third world country I couldn't do it.. why? Because I'm sure I'd hate the food, humidity and the toilets. Much safer and nicer at home. I still don't know if I'd do it, but I certainly feel challenged in myself to think about what I'm going to regret at the end of my life.
Years ago - I moved to the country for eighteen months, which I didn't end up liking in some ways - but still, I look back and admire the guts to actually go to the middle of nowhere. The struggle financially to live there was harsh, but I learnt alot and it was an experience which set the bar for how I'd live my life later on.
And last year, I created and ran a course for young girls, mainly about self esteem and creating a future based on God's promises - which was a really new kind of challenge for me to do but in the end was something I felt of so much value - more than what I've done in the last short while of my life.
It was risky for me to stand up and take those classes, fearing rejection and a response of boredom of the teaching plan I'd created... but the feedback was so positive that it made me realise had I played it safe.. I'd have missed out on a huge learning curve.
We are going to die - me included - no doubt about it, and in my job as a nurse I am always mindful of this. But something in me does agree with this quote that getting safely to death is the main goal of alot of us. I'm first to admit it. I just have this gut feeling that when I'm old, when you're old we may just wish we had of taken a few more chances.
Whats more, a second quote during this same week also came to my ears and expanded on the first with a great sense of imagery.
Live life as if the gate has been left open
Thats pretty cool! It's not saying that everyone should just go crazy (..like living each day as if its your last) but journeying with a sense that life is open to do more, to be more adventurous and expectant to explore.
While most of us have 'responsiblities' likes jobs, bills and families - this quote can be still relevant. I think living life with the gate being left open won't compromise responsibility. Trying new food, cooking it even - riding your bike to somewhere you've never been, talking to someone you'd never usually talk to or doing a course in something your curious about.
Mostly I think these quotes point toward faith, and believing in something bigger than yourself. That someone greater can hold your life in his hands and open the door for you to live a full life.
Jesus says "I give life, and life abundantly" - while that doesn't mean your going hangliding each day and having your adrenaline glands pumped - it's that a richer course of life is open to you ... that he who knows you better than you know yourself will direct your steps. Not always on that predictable safe course. But in ways that bring you closer to him... and safely not to death, but to eternity in heaven with him.
I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.John 10:9-11
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.Proverbs 3:5-7
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