Random Thoughts

It has been nearly four years since I was diagnosed with Follicular Lymphoma. Although I try not to think about it, there are times when it creeps into my thoughts. Most recently it has become a task master in that I am reminded that our time upon this earth is limited. 

In 1996 Linda Ellis wrote a poem entitled "The Dash". It refers to the years between our birth and our death and what we choose to do with those years.

 After reading "The Dash" poem my life has taken on a different perspective. With each task that I do, I wonder if I am spending my time wisely. Wasting time on foolishness, things that do not matter, seems sinful to me. I feel guilty when I take time to relax, if in that time I do not also accomplish something of value.

Finding balance in my life is important to me as when it loses balance it becomes chaotic. I am not sure if having a schedule is the way to go for me as I have found that being flexible prevents undue stress when life throws a boulder (a challenge or trial) in the path. I am reminded of President Uchdorf's talk on What Matters Most.

As I ponder that talk I think about what matters most to me in my life and the path seems clear on what I need to do to not waste my time, my "dash" while here upon this earth.

So what matters most to me?

My relationship with Deity.

My relationship with family.

My relationships with people in general.

My relationship with myself.

My love for the things that God has created for us, this planet on which we live, the creatures that dwell upon it, and for all living things,  except for Mosquito and a other obnoxious forms of pestilence, germs, bacteria and other forms of living organisms that raise havoc with the other living organisms.

I guess I need to be grateful for even those things as they provide us with the opposition we need to learn and grow. Life might be a little dull without having to make choices based on what is good and what is bad.