And it is gonna be great.

Daily writing prompt
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
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Longevity ebbs and flows in my family. I remember my grandpa driving at 97, before he thought Uber was a better mode of transport. Well, maybe not Uber, but “Uncle”. Then there is my younger brother that just passed two years ago.

So it is what it is.

As far as I am concerned, for the purposes of today’s assignment, it comes down to being fully intentional about making the most of what you have been gifted.

Experience tells me that allocating the precious resources granted for this moment towards resentment, regret and retribution of the past is not what it is cracked up to be. Then, if you embark in advance of the here and now predicated on the approach of, “…that didn’t work, so I will cut this corner and use that short cut this time sround”, you pretty much added to an already sorrowful past.

The past is what it was. The future is what it may be. The present is just that, a present like Mr. Keane said a few days ago. That being said, I have no clue as to what living a long life is to me. If I can make the most out of every hour of every day going forward, then that will elongate my stay here.

When it comes time to give my notice, my only desire is that I can rest in peace knowing I gave it my everything. We are all gifted this position here on earth. Toiling in the dirt and debris of the past or buzzing about in the ether of the future would make me a worm or a fly. Nothing against them, but I like to think my focus needs to be on living life, not looking for feces.

So perhaps my longevity ends up somewhere between my grandpa and my brother. So be it.

Whatever the case, I have a lot to do today.

And it is gonna be great.

I pray that you all do too.

Within minutes, the colors disperse and the clouds assume their position in the sky, but need not do the same in your thoughts for the day.

Keep that vivid impression center most and move towards the beauty and potential we have been given on this the 8th day of the new year. It is all still there, we just need to see it for what it is and move forward with intention.

In that there is peace and serenity to be found.

And then, shared.

Something I chose to do differently.

I pray that you all do too.

Again.

“It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself. Serve and thou shall be served.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist

A compelling interpretation of the loop of grace.

There is absolutely nothing transactional about this level of human interaction. It is truly a beautiful compensation. One born purely out of an expenditure of time, talent or treaure. For what has been gifted is meant to be given. In that, all are helped.

We have all been served by grace.

As such, serve those in need.

And “… thou shall be served.”

Again.

Live differently.

Daily writing prompt
What could you do differently?
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How many terabytes are available to answer this one?

Oh, and I guarantee that I will make more of this question than was intended. There is another terabyte. Something I could do differently. How about “lighten up Hahn.” But I digress…

As I warned above, what one could “do differently” initially requires a willingness to modify one’s being, perhaps in thought, word or deed. Recognizing the value of engaging with full intention in a personal transformation of varying degrees and depths.

During my current reclamation project, I am finding a true sense of peace and serenity in learning what I could do differently. As this is an ongoing enterprise of life, I am perfectly content to achieve and receive any and all accomplishments of most modest means. For I know that with each passing day, what I could do differently will be a true and lasting source of enlightenment and joy.

Even better?

What I could do differently may ripple outward as a genuine source of care, support and love for those around me, known and unknown.

There.

Now that that is out of my system, what I could actually do differently?

Try to abandon certain aspects of my ever stoic heritage and try to smile once and a while.

Heck, even emit a guffaw or three.

Take more walks, alone or with company.

Cut back on Dad jokes.

Read.

Listen more.

Let things sit.

Use my telescope.

Become what He meant for me.

Live differently.

“I love you”

Daily writing prompt
If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?
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Once I embarked on my journey towards faith, two things were revealed. One, that the story would remain a constant, following a path that shared the seasons. This brings with it a sense of peace and serenity, knowing the way. But more stunning to me is the fact that along each step of the way, I become aware of something new, different and touching.

Perhaps it is how the story is told, through a multitude of voices, perspectives and experiences that provides greater impact and deeper meaning. Add to that the fact that the moments and revelations shared were not of this century, the prior, or even millenia. They were uttered or written long, long ago, spoken in to others with ancient tongues and dialects, detailed with reed and papyrus. And yet, at this instant, they maintain a revelance and power far beyond anything today.

Just over the past few days, John speaks of the difference of being one of the world and being one of God. How our infirmities and debilitation is fostered, raised and enhanced by things all around us. Being caught up in these concerns, like resentment, ego and self-righteousness, takes one down a ruinous path, speaking from my own experience. But upon letting go of things born of the world around you, an altogher different life takes hold. In a comforting, sustaining and altogher safe way.

His only son was sent here to teach all of us how to live and to love. When you feel as though there is nothing left for you, that you are worthless, unvalued and ruined, you can leave this world behind. Not in a hopeless manner. But in a hope-full approach. So as to truly be what you were made for, with true intention, trust and the knowledge that you are loved steadfastly and singularly.

We may be on the earth for now, but by no means does this require us to be of this world. We have the free will to choose.

And finally, to just live.

So if I had a billboard?

How about this:

“I love you”