Why bother? - It all ends at some point.
Today I was once more forced to reflect on this precious thing called life.
As a mourner reminisced in song, singing 'Memories', I asked myself, "why bother? It all ends at some point and that's all we are left with, memories.
I did so as we buried my wife's brother-in-law who was kill by a stray bullet as two gangs fought it out in the street outside his home.
Fearing for his son's life - his son was closing up the business place - he walked out unto the porch to see where his son was. He never made it back into his house.
Memories
Funerals always perk my interest even though I hate attending them. From my first experience I hated the sight of people weeping at a grave side while the sod fell with a hollow sound unto the coffin.
What I find intriguing though is the fact that in the majority of internments that I have attended, people tended to have amnesia. Their memories of the deceased were always of a perfect human being.
It was the same today. Not that I can say anything negative about him, I only met him a year ago.
I listened to the outpouring of love for him, and the wonderful memories of those who were allowed to speak.
It was during that period that I once more asked myself, "is this the end, as some people claim?"
"Or is there more to life than this?"
We live and die
If life is only about spending a few short years here during which the majority of the human beings on this piece of real estate called earth scrounge for a living, why bother about the type of life we live?
Whether we do good or bad?
Why be concerned about the kind of memories we leave behind?
And then it dawned on me, it is claimed that we have evolved over millions of years. During that time a single organism was able to decide that it wanted to give us the gift of sight - not hearing, smelling or feeling but sight. As a result the majority of us see.
Yet, in all our evolving, no cell has been able to decide that it is going to live forever and teach all the others to do the same.
So we continue to die, by disease, old age or at the whim of other living creatures.
Eternal life
Then there is the group that gives the reason for death and a hope of one day living eternally.
That group believe in a divine Creator. A supreme designer who will one day bring an end to death and the sting of death - sin.
For this group, the grave is not the end. It is just a container for the remains of those who have fallen into a sleep from which they can only be awaken by the Life Giver.
But you have to "meet the requirements".
I belong to that group and so, in spite of my ruminations today, I more firmly hold on to that hope.
I make memories and I try to make them the kind that are considered good so that they will help me and others "meet the requirements".
You may not agree with my position and that's okay, but what if I and all that belong to this group are right?
These are my marinations on a bitter-sweet day. If you find them interesting and want to share, feel free. You can also leave your comments.
Blessings.
Recent Comments
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Interesting analysis between life and death, Russell. I sympathize with your loss. I, too, am a Christian and stand firm on my belief. Thanks for this interesting post, my friend!
Erin :)!
As long there's life, there's Hope.
Death is just the begining of another journey and the destination is a New Life.
Wish you the best in your life.
My dear friend, I am so very sorry for the loss of your wife's brother in law. You, your wife, and his family will be in my prayers.
I also went to a funeral today. Pondering these same questions. I think that is natural.
My hope is that we do have a creator, and I am leaning hard on Him. He's promised to never leave or forsake me and I trust Him completely.
All the best,
Wendi
I’ve just lost my lovely lady to brain cancer. I’m sorry for your loss. Whatever you believe in make memories, happy memories. Be kind and helpful as you go through life. Look back on these memories, smile and go forward. Stay positive. Look after one another, cherish one another. Make the most of your time here.
Wishing you health and happiness
Hi Russel.
Very deep and meaningful post.
Great questions to ask ourselves too.
I believe there is a greater purpose for us as we continue to evolve.
I do believe there is more to life. It's too beautiful and adventurous not to be.
All I know is, I will continue to be the best that I can be and share this, in the hopes that others will inspire to be the best version of themselves too :)
Really got me pondering now :)
Di :)
This is a heavy post, I am sorry for your and your families loss. I understand the wondering, I find I reflect at times like these, when there are more questions than answers. I guess I always end up being reminded to live each day to the fullest and love your loved ones to the fullest as well, because you could be standing on your front porch, or driving to the corner store or whatever, and the could be the end...
Mary
Your family is in my prayers. Hold fast to those promises of the divine Creator, and He will hold fast to you and help you/your family through this time.
Peace and comfort be with you.
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Hi Russell. Thank you for your wonderful post, and I'm so sorry you lost a member of your family. All the best. Jim
Thank you for your sympathy Jim. I live in hope.