Nugget # 52 Life lesson from a New Neighbor

Hi friends,

We recently shifted house and with it came a whole new world of possibilities and challenges. The picture that comes to mind is the butterfly suddenly emerging from its cozy cocoon. Though change is definitely necessary for growth and often we may even desire it, the real truth is that transition is never easy.

While I left my older residence, the time came to say Good bye to my next door neighbor. I realized ruefully that though the two of us regularly smiled & made small talk with each other while we met in the lift, we had never really got to know each other. As we parted, we exchanged phone numbers as it dawned on both of us that caught up in the busyness of life in the past 3 years, we had wasted the opportunity to have become good friends. Determined not to repeat this mistake ever again, I looked forward to meeting new people and making new acquaintances & friends. This week, I’d like to share something my new neighbor just mentioned while we chatted. It took me a moment to grasp what she meant but as it sunk in; I loved what she said & so am sharing it with you.

What she said was this: “We are all here either temporarily permanent or permanently temporary.”

Though she was talking about how some of us plan to stay for longer periods but may have to leave before time and some of us come to stay for shorter periods but end up staying longer; so while we stayed together as residents of the building, it was good to maintain a close rapport with each other.

I totally agree with what she said but the lesson I learnt from her words was a bit more profound. How often we take what we have within us / around us for granted? Be it our health, our families, our friends, our loved ones, our neighbors, our acquaintances, our jobs, our colleagues, our talents….We conveniently forget that we are all here either  permanently temporary or temporarily permanent. Isn’t our life itself the greatest gift we have? There is so much truth in the saying “Familiarity breeds contempt” and yet I pray that may we never get so familiar with the people/ things /the blessings in our life so that if ever we lose them, we will never be haunted with the regret of having taken them for granted but instead we will have joyful memories of how we treasured what we once had.

“Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all  the world, your return.”- Mary Jean Iron

I think once we realize that everything including this life is just a gift and for a season; we will learn to be more grateful and make the most of what we have, while we have it and that will make everyday a day of joy & gratitude.

Nugget of Life: “Do what makes you happy, be with who makes you smile. Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.”

Have a fun-filled week!

 

Cheers,

Sparky Laurie