Sunday moment of Zen

We greet the arrival of our children with glee and amazement that sooner or later gets swallowed up in the day to day living that makes up the greater part of our lives.  The new baby smell wears off and we are faced with a squirming, squalling infant that requires all of our time and energy.

And life goes on.

One day, our child goes off to school and whether we are sad or joyful at their venturing into the world, we know that they are taking the first of many, many steps away from us and into their own life.  We try to keep them safe, comfort their bumps and bruises both real and symbolic and encourage them to excel. 

And life goes on.

Sooner than you can believe possible, they’re walking across the stage receiving their high school diploma.  They’ve learned to drive, had their heart broken and done things you have no knowledge of at all.

And life goes on.

Then it’s college and serious relationships and before you know it, they’re getting married, starting their own family, moving away.  No matter that you will always see the sweet baby asleep in your arms, the toddler covered in spaghetti sauce (and a noodle where?!) or the kindergartener off to school for the first time whenever you see them, they have become their own person; an adult with responsibilities and life of their own.

And life goes on.

You’ve weathered the times, both good and bad, and come out the other side.  Those times we’ve wanted to hang onto have slipped away, those times we thought would never end have passed.

And life goes on.

Life goes on whether we want it to or not.  It is neither fair nor easy but it is worth living. It is up to us to step forward and face the new dawn with fierce devotion and determination.

Whether we are in the midst of great joy or great sorrow, the knowledge that the world keeps turning without our help or guidance is sobering.  During happy times, we want to grab hold of life and the joy it brings and keep time from moving forward.  During times of grief and hardship, it’s easy to believe that nothing will ever get better.   We are stagnant in our grief and time seems to stand still. 

Yet life goes on.

This is the greatest lesson that we can learn and in turn pass on to our children. 

Life goes on.  And as long as it does, there is hope. Hope that sees us through the hard times. Hope that infuses the good times with the knowledge that though this time may indeed pass, another just as joyful will take its place.

And life goes on.