Another Year, Another Time!

Mother’s Day month brings a mix of emotions for me. On one hand, there’s a beautiful sweetness in remembering all the strong, compassionate women who dedicated their lives, careers, and happiness to their families. These incredible heroines found the strength to raise their children, often on their own, while always supporting and encouraging their young minds. On the other hand, it’s bittersweet for those of us who have lost our mothers; we cherish the moments we shared, yet we miss the chance to discuss our failures and achievements and hear their voices once more. 

Since 2016, May has been a particularly difficult month for me, marked by the loss of many dear friends and family members. When I glance at my phone’s calendar, I’m reminded of how closely their birthdays and transitions are intertwined, with just a few days in between. It’s a poignant reminder of the love and memories we share. I miss them dearly.

I experienced another episode like what happened in 2023 when I blacked out from severe dehydration at the graveyard. This time, I overdid it, pressure washing our patio deck in 90-degree weather, and started to feel lightheaded. By the time I thought I needed a drink of water, it was already too late. I made it inside the house, sat down on the floor, and asked my wife to bring me a bottle of water. She came right away, unbuttoned my shirt, loosened my belt, took off my cap, and called 911. The difference this time from last was that I didn’t completely black out. However, I couldn’t see, and my vision went dark, but I could hear everything around me.

I didn’t want EMS, but my wife didn’t take any chances. She told me to stay seated. While I waited, she prayed for me. I boast about a praying woman. Their prayers are strong and sincere. I thought about not finishing the deck and told her. She said that the deck is not worth my life. Then, I thought about being an addition to my May calendar. I didn’t want to be a part of that. But we don’t know the day, time, or hour when we are called. We can at least not do anything to speed up the process.

Take my advice: summer is coming, and those temperatures are going to rise! Let's make sure we stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Take good care of yourselves!

Stay Vigilant!

This morning, I had the extraordinary experience of hearing an 87-year-old English widow perform a piano concerto. The performance was a heartfelt tribute to her late husband, with whom she shared 63 beautiful years of marriage. She had always been an accomplished pianist, deeply passionate about music, while he found joy behind the lens as a skilled photographer. Both excelled in their respective arts but remained humble, often believing many others surpassed them.

Later in life, she discovered her talent for composing music, which added another layer to her artistic expression. Encouraged by her daughter, she decided to play at a local mall, unwittingly captivating an audience that included the renowned musician Jon Batiste. As the first chords filled the air, I noticed Jon’s face light up with recognition, his expression turning contemplative as he absorbed the profound emotion of her performance.

As I listened, I couldn't help but reflect on my journey. What does God have in store for me? What is my purpose? This connection through music sparked deep contemplation about my path and our unknown future.

One might ponder why I find myself contemplating my purpose at this stage of life. One significant factor behind this introspection is the recent discord between my wife and me. As she has taken a much-needed vacation, my household routines have been disrupted, creating an unsettling imbalance. She has been energetically rearranging, packing, and discarding items in the kitchen that haven’t seen the light of day in over a year. 

Accustomed to navigating the daily tasks of our home independently, my world has shifted since retirement. I manage our residence's interior and exterior upkeep while she dedicates herself to her professional endeavors. Yet, my domestic responsibilities come with restrictions that leave me feeling constrained. For instance, cleaning the bathrooms has been designated her domain; she believes my efforts in that area fall short of her standards. This division of labor has altered our routines and prompted me to reflect on the nature of my role in the home and our partnership.

Our friction stemmed from a profound misalignment in our perspectives and priorities. That evening, just before the dimming of the sky signaled prayer time, we found ourselves seated across from each other, the air thick with unspoken words. The tension gradually faded as we discussed our actions, revealing the raw vulnerabilities beneath. We took turns admitting our faults—moments where our pride had overshadowed our judgment, and instances where our words had cut deeper than intended. 

With honesty, we expressed our emotions; fear, frustration, and regret hung heavily between us. We acknowledged that our responses could have been more measured, that instead of responding with defensiveness, we could have approached each other with empathy and understanding. As the light faded outside, it became clear that our emotions had taken the reins, leading us away from constructive dialogue. Together, we committed to embracing a more patient and compassionate approach moving forward, recognizing that open communication was the key to mending our misalignment.

We must remain ever vigilant against the subtle tactics of the devil. He is constantly looking for vulnerabilities in our lives, seeking to exploit any weaknesses he can find. His greatest weapon is distraction, distracting us from the good and serene aspects of our existence. We might discuss this endlessly, passionately dissecting his methods. Yet, all too often, we slip into his traps, oblivious to the folly of our actions—until the moment comes when we are forced to confront the truth of our naivety. In these moments of revelation, the shadows of our ignorance are cast into the light. Do I mean it when I say, “I repent?” Then why do I do the same thing again? Haven’t I learned anything? I may have failed, but I will continue to push forward. We all must persevere in our efforts.

Some People Build and Some Tear Down!

One man meticulously constructs any structure, pouring his ideas and efforts into every brick and beam. In contrast, another man comes along and dismantles what has been built, erasing the hard work of the first. However, there are exceptions to this simple dichotomy: one individual may build upon the solid foundation laid by another, adding layers of complexity and innovation to the original design. Additionally, a visionary may gather diverse individuals, encouraging them to share their unique perspectives and ideas, extending and enriching the building process. This collaborative approach enhances the original creation and fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, transforming the building into a collective journey of creativity and growth.

At times, change is ignited by a single individual, while other moments see a collective of two or more collaborators, all united by a shared vision. Their motivations often transcend mere financial gain; instead, they may be driven by a deep-seated obligation to uplift others meaningfully. This endeavor could be rooted in a desire to forge a legacy that they hope will inspire and empower future generations to carry it forward.

Throughout life, individuals will inevitably prefer to dismantle rather than create. These people often possess a perspective that emphasizes negativity, homing in on the flaws and failures around them. For them, expressing discontent seems to be the simplest, most accessible form of rebellion—a way to defy the status quo by highlighting the futility they perceive in efforts to improve or uplift.

Now, more than ever, individuals across various platforms persistently try to deceive, misinform, and deny their troubling behaviors and thought processes. Whether through social media, news articles, or public speeches, many are twisting facts and presenting misleading narratives to protect their interests. This culture of denial reflects a lack of accountability and contributes to a broader decline in trust and civility in discourse. As misinformation spreads, the implications for society become increasingly dire, undermining our ability to tackle pressing issues with honesty and integrity. It’s alarming how many people readily accept everything they encounter online without questioning its validity.

The reckoning that awaits us is a universal truth, one that intimate and distant observers alike can sense for those who seek the chance to repent and amend their ways, rest assured that such an opportunity will present itself. Therefore, my earnest counsel is simple: do not procrastinate until it is too late to act. 

Throughout our journeys, we have all been alerted to the subtle and profound signs around us through dreams that linger in the mind, moments of heightened awareness, and the deep stirrings of our consciousness. We stand at a crossroads; we can choose to dismiss these messages, allowing them to fade into the background of our busy lives, or we can embrace them, recognizing the call to transformation and redemption. 

Turning away from our harmful actions and inclinations is not just advisable but essential. We can reforge our path by consciously shifting our focus towards God and the higher principles of love, compassion, and understanding. Ultimately, the choice remains in our hands. It's a decision laden with weight and consequence that can shape our destinies and the world around us.