Day 21: A Soul's Temperature

O

n day twenty-one of the Season of Creation, we check our soul's temperature. Is it hot, cold or lukewarm? We might think that to be lukewarm is better than hot or cold, but no. A lukewarm soul or spirit in times of difficulties is dangerous. From stupor and tepidity, there is a likelihood of sliding down into dangerous territory. I found this little picture book entitled "Eat Less Cottage Cheese and More Ice Cream: Thoughts on Life by Erma Bombeck" which illustrates what it means to really live life to the full.

S

omeone asked me the other day if I had my life to live over, would I change anything.

My answer was no, but then I thought about it and changed my mind. 

If I had my life to live over again I would have talked less and listened more.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy and complaining about the shadow over my feet, I'd have cherished every minute of it and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was to be my only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. 

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten popcorn in the "good" living room and worried less about the dirt when you lit the fireplace. 

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. 

I would have burnt the pink candle that was sculptured like a rose before it melted in storage.I would have sat cross-legged on the lawn with my children and never worried about the grass stains. 

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television... and more while watching real life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. 

I would have eaten less cottage cheese and more ice cream. 

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for a day. 

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical/wouldn't show soil/was guaranteed to last a lifetime. 

When the child kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."

There would have been more I love yous... more I'm sorrys... more I'm listenings...
but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it...

look at it and really see it...
try it on... live it... exhaust it...
and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it.

 

The text originally appeared in a newspaper column, "If I Had My Life To Live Over," c. December 2, 1979 by Erma Louise Bombeck (1927–1996).

8thWorker.us