Some weeks back, I came across this video on twitter of J.Cole talking about pain. Although his message of pain was not lost on me, it was something else he said that struck me. He said “people die everyday, they leave this earth…yesterday, today, right now, tomorrow”. I hate to sound morbid, but it it a fact that we are all going to die someday, and this is a fact that I have come to terms with. However what made his statement so profound to me was that I realised that not only is death inevitable, but it is also, by and large, unpredictable. It literally could happen to anyone at anytime. I am not highlighting this to scare you but I want you, or rather us, to think.
Firstly, I want us to think of life as a gift and to be thankful for it. Life is so precious, and the line between life and death is incredibly thin. People sleep and do not wake up; it is that easy to transition from this life to the next. No matter how busy you are, try to find some time in the day to pause and thank God. I am certain that we can all find at least one thing that we are grateful for, from family, to true friends, to achievements, to laughter;the list is endless. On the days when emotional wars are waged, and you feel like life is not on your side, remember that at least you still have it. You still have life. Where there is still life, there is always hope.

Secondly, we should think of how much we complain, and try to complain less. In December 2017, my sight started deteriorating and I had to get glasses at the beginning of this year. I feel my eyes getting worse everyday and I complain so much about it mainly because I feel like it all came from nowhere. Then I walk past the hospital near my church and see people wheeled in and out on gurneys and I am silenced. I am not saying that your pain or difficulty lacks worth because people are going though worse, but try to constantly be thankful bearing in mind that your situation could be worse.

Lastly, as said by Pogba, ‘enjoy life because it goes really fast’. We always talk about enjoyment with regard to food, travel, parties and the like, but we always forget that these things would mean nothing if your mind is not at peace. Be at peace with God, wish people well, let go of ageing grudges, guard your heart and protect your mind. Be thankful for each new day, enjoy life and most importantly, value it.

Quotes

“The truth is you don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride and nothing is guaranteed”-Eminem

“Would you like to enjoy life? Do you want long life and happiness? Turn away from evil and do good, strive for peace with all your heart”-Psalm 34:12, 14 (from the Bible)

I work very hard, and I play very hard. I’m grateful for life. And I live it-I believe life loves the liver of it. -Maya Angelou.

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