Death

Today I came to know of a colleague who is also a dear friend who passed on suddenly after being crushed by an uprooted tree at the age of 32. Little did he expect in the morning when he left for work that it would be his last time kissing his wife and baby goodbye. As I reflect upon this incident, it occured to me that I was in driving in the same heavy downpour from Outram to Novena. What if that had been any one of us? Death does not know age, time or location and it can happen to you anytime.

We sometimes get so caught up in our routines and in the business of living that we take it for granted that we will be here tomorrow or next week or next year. We tend to put things off. A little, but important things like spending time over a cup of coffee with an old or new friend; writing e-mails or making phone calls to family members who live far away; thanking people of all ages who do nice things for us; and appreciating the blooming flowers, the playful animals, and the nurturing of nature that lovingly supports our lives.

Sometimes, in the pettiness of conflict and insistence on personal preference we forget how each new day is a gift to us to learn and grow and share again, to put aside the regrets of yesterday and move forward with a clean slate and renewed spirit for living vibrantly, laughing heartily, and loving more fully. For all we know, today — this moment — is all we really have. Gratitude for the smallest gifts and moments of wonder stitches together a beautiful tapestry to celebrate our existence

Make this moment count. And the next one, and the one after that. Spend your energy today thoughtfully on words and actions that serve you and others well. Be grateful for what you have, knowing that you have far more than you'll ever need. Celebrate your gifts, your creativity, your voice in this grand chorus of life. You and I are both here to inspire one another, to help one another, to share with one another. Sing from your soul. Cherish your life and the lives of those around you.