Lily Ma
How we live each day and the decisions we make reflect the values we have. However, when we quiet ourselves to reflect, what we think we value may not necessarily be what our hearts truly value. Sometimes, only when people are at the threshold of life and death can they discover the priorities they should have had all along.
When my mother passed away last year, from a stroke, she left us without saying any words. She was already in a semi-conscious state when we initially visited her. In her notebook, I saw her writings. Three things bring happiness in this life: contentment, self-enjoyment, and helping others. I believe this was the blueprint for her pursuit of a happy life.
Mom didn’t have perfect character. There were things she could not figure out and things she could not let go of. But what she has left for us was persistent cheerfulness and enthusiasm. In fact, my mother’s personality has made me an optimistic person who loves to laugh. “Being happy” is my strength, thanks to her positive influence on me.
Of course, I deeply understand that, behind joy, it is God’s grace. When I am faced with many of life’s choices, I tend to look for those things that make me feel satisfied and happy. For example, I love nature very much. No matter how busy my life is, taking walks outside is an indispensable part of my life. Nature does not only make me feel good, but it also calls me to draw close to God. Because I enjoy socializing with friends, even when my workload is heavy, I insist on freeing up time with my spiritual friends to recharge my own soul and allow God to shepherd me through fellow brothers and sisters.
Many of us rush through life. If you want to look back on days that passed you by and be full of thanksgiving rather than regret, you need to ask yourself, what is your greatest treasure in this life? What may cause you to feel like you lived a full and meaningful life? May we learn from Moses’ example of appealing to God:
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom… Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”
(Psalms 90:12, 14)
Reflections:
1. What do you value the most in your life? Is your daily living aligned with these values?
2. What are your loved ones’ greatest impact on your life?
3. What impact do your want to leave for your beloved family?
Prayers:
1. Ask our Heavenly Father to open the eyes of your soul to see what is most important in life and to know how to set priorities.
2. Ask for wisdom and power to make choices and decisions that are pleasing to God
3. If your life priorities need to be adjusted and changed, ask the Lord to give you enough courage to take this step.
Presence Quotient®, also known as Presence, is a Christian 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides tools and training to help individuals and families apply Christian and family values to their everyday lives.
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