THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Offaly columnist urges us to embrace life with enthusiasm

Children, especially toddlers, embody a unique energy and enthusiasm for life that often seems to fade as we grow older. Their days are filled with joy and excitement, and they approach each new day with a sense of wonder. Unlike us adults, children forgive easily, worry little, and find joy in simple pleasures. They remind us of the importance of living in the moment and cherishing our life experiences.

Reflecting on my own experiences with my two daughters, I recall the joy they expressed each morning, jumping out of bed with smiles and excitement for the day ahead. This made me ponder why adults often lose that zest for life. When did we stop appreciating the beauty of each day? Time. and life is indeed precious, and we should strive to cherish each moment with gratitude and joy.

As Psalm 90:12 suggests, we must learn to "use our time wisely". If we lived each day as if it were our last, we might approach life differently, fostering positivity, forgiving quickly, pursuing our passions and getting to know Our Lord Jesus Christ much better. Ultimately, we should cherish every moment, express love to those around us, pray constantly and find joy and gratitude in our daily lives. Life is fleeting, and it is essential to live fully, appreciate and cherish the time we have. As St. Paul says "Be joyful always. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

READ NEXT: New climate and biodiversity action group holds first meeting in Offaly

Make the best of it

As adults, we often forget the importance of living happily, allowing days to pass us by without appreciation. Many find themselves moping over things beyond their control, such as the weather or gossip. This can lead to prolonged periods of sadness, where individuals may unintentionally bring others down with them. However, life is not meant to be lived in misery. We are here to embrace and cherish each day, face challenges, and grow from our experiences. Sharing joy can uplift those around us, creating a positive ripple effect.

Life is finite, and recognizing its brevity serves as a reminder to live with purpose and intention. It encourages us to be present, appreciate the beauty around us, and connect deeply with others. Each moment is unique, and every individual is distinct, making our life experiences invaluable. We must cherish this beautiful gift, as no amount of money can buy another chance at life. Understanding that our time is limited should motivate us to appreciate every moment, as life can change in an instant as I and my family well know!! I believe in valuing friendships, family, love, and seizing opportunities. Most importantly, I believe in cherishing life itself in all its fullness.

Constant change

Life is characterized by constant change and movement. It is often easier to embrace and cherish life when circumstances align with our dreams, leading to feelings of success in our personal and professional lives. However, challenges arise during moments of struggle, uncertainty, and unhappiness. Life presents us with a spectrum of experiences, from grief and anger to joy and gratitude.

As Benjamin Franklin noted, the only certainties in life are "death and taxes", but recent global events, particularly the recent enough COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted additional truths: everything changes and ends, plans can quickly unravel, and life is not always fair. These realities remind us that we are not always in control of our destinies. Despite the difficulties we face, there is hope that these challenging times will eventually pass, allowing us to adapt and find new pathways forward.

READ NEXT: Midlands 103 DJ helps newly married couple celebrate their wedding day live on air

Embracing life

Embracing the certainties of life can lead to deeper understanding and fulfillment, as suggested by the Lord Jesus Christ's call to take up one's cross and follow a meaningful path. The essence lies in how we embrace and cherish our experiences and navigate our journey. Life is inherently fragile, and the awareness of our mortality can inspire us to live each day fully.

Recognizing that tomorrow is not guaranteed encourages us to cherish our moments and make the most of our time. Each day presents a new opportunity to engage with life, to dance through our experiences rather than merely endure them. It is vital to reflect on our lives and ensure that we are not held back by fear or regret. As we age, the importance of infusing our lives with meaning becomes even more pronounced. We should strive to seize each day, asking ourselves if we truly lived or if we let opportunities slip away. Ultimately, life is about making it meaningful and embracing and cherishing every moment.

In life

The following is a list of Proverbs for life that I try to live by and that I have by my bedside that I read to encourage me to do the best I can with the life I have and to cherish my life and my relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ. "In life we are to encourage and build up each other; not to discourage and tear down one another. In life we are to add, not subtract; to multiply, not divide. In life we are to leave an enduring impression; not a careless dent. In life we are to smooth out the rough roads along the journey; not create new potholes. In life we are to sing a joyful song; not just drone a groan. In life we are to add our harmonious strains to life's symphony; not strain the symphony with clatter and clang.

In life we are to soar on eagles' wings, not to peck and cluck with our beaks in the dirt like chickens. In life we are to radiate Jesus light into unseen places; not permit unknown fears to dim our radiance. In life we are to leap in faith; not to limp with doubt. In life we are to give freely of our time, our love, our resources; not to cling on to them greedily. In life we are to lift up others; not push them down. In life we are to open our hands to those in need; not to clutch our hands in fists of distrust. In life we are to lend a helping hand to make loads lighter; not use heavy hands to hold others back. In life we are to be messengers of peace, signs of joy; not Chicken Little portents of gloom-n-doom. In life we are to enjoy, to savor, to remember, to reflect; not to overlook, to forget, to ignore, to reject. In life we are to seek conscious awareness; not doze in the doldrums of half-awake. In life we are to dare mighty things; not to fear things gravely. In life we are to show up, stand up, step forward and speak up; not to cringe in fear, choosing to sit down, or to step back, allowing the voices of silence to speak so loudly. In life we are to exercise proper stewardship of earth's resources; not pillage the heritage of future generations. In life we are to move forward through forgiveness; not grind to a halt mired in bitterness and resentment. In life we are to be wacky, weird, and wonderful in our own unique God-given way; not to be staid-n-proper lemmings, stuck on life's treadmill. In life we are to reach, to stretch, and to soar; not to slink in fear, held back by mistrust and doubt. In life we are to realize: "I am a remarkable Somebody!"; not listen to other's jabs: "You're a Nobody, an Everybody, an Anybody." In life we are to comprehend, "I am worthwhile"; not tremble with feelings of worthlessness. In life we are to create, to laugh, to pray and to live life nobly; not to despair, to moan, or to live life less."

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, take a moment to reflect on the simplicity of your younger years, a time before adult worries took hold. Life moves quickly, and being present is essential. In light of ongoing global challenges like wars, conflicts, and climate change, let’s focus on making the most of our current moments. Appreciate what you have, celebrate your unique gifts, and engage in acts of kindness. Express gratitude, love, prayers and compassion daily, as small gestures can have a significant impact. We all have the capacity to share love and support one another. As we navigate tough times, let’s choose love over fear and stand in solidarity with those in need. Together, we can create a more compassionate world. During challenging times, it’s important to appreciate life and the well-being of others. Reflect on your circumstances and recognize the struggles faced by those less fortunate. Emphasize the importance of compassion and gratitude, urging each other to support, pray and uplift one another.

In moments of fear, love, prayers and connection are vital, even when physical closeness is not possible. Cherish every moment you’re given, for life moves faster than we realize. Take a pause, look around, and truly appreciate the people, the experiences, and the blessings you have right now. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of life, but these small, ordinary moments often become the ones we wish we could relive. Time doesn’t wait, so make the most of every single day—love deeply, laugh often, pray constantly and savour the beauty that surrounds you. May each of you who read this be blessed and cherish your life and the lives of others with gratitude, especially during these worrying times.

Let us remember those whose lives are at stake, those most vulnerable, and those who must choose between health and financial stability. Let us not forget those without homes or those working tirelessly on the front lines, highlighting their dedication and sacrifice. Heavenly Father, we express our gratitude for the precious gift of life and the countless moments You bestow upon us. Help us recognize Your presence in all aspects of creation and our everyday experiences, opening our eyes to the beauty that exists even amidst challenges. Grant us the wisdom to fully embrace the present, the joy to celebrate in every circumstance, and the love to nurture our relationships. May we foster a spirit of gratitude within us, finding contentment in Your provisions, and remembering Your unwavering faithfulness as we share Your love with those around us. Teach us to value our days and to make each moment meaningful for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.