The optimal way to experience this multimedia devotional is to click play on the video and let the music play as you read…
Music: “Seasons of Love” from the musical Rent; music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Rabbi Harold Kushner is often quoted (even by those who have no idea to whom the words are attributed): “No one ever said on their deathbed: ‘I wish I’d spent more time at the office.’” He meant, of course, that the way we spend the moments of our lives is important, and we should be wary of prioritizing those things which are not going to bring us joy in the long run. Perhaps we would benefit from looking back on the year we are about to leave behind us, and assess what we have chosen to give ourselves, our time, and our energies to. (This is not about inducing guilt over opportunities missed or moments misspent, but about providing clarity for the journey through the year ahead.)
If you are fortunate enough to have a job that is your life’s passion, then the hours spent “at work” may indeed “measure up”, and contribute to the seasons of love in your life. (And how wonderful!) How the rest of us balance the need to achieve financial security with the quest for spiritual fulfillment and connection is the question. If we take the time annually to review our choices and our priorities, we drastically reduce the likelihood that we will find ourselves years hence burdened with regrets.
Check in with your heart: In the past five-hundred-twenty-five-thousand-six-hundred minutes, have you prioritized the things that are truly of significance to you? How many of those moments have been spent engaged in something that you love? Or that brings you love? How many have been spent sharing that love with others? And how many have (or will have, down the road) the effect of contributing to an increase in your essential joy?
Are you making the most of your moments? How do you measure your year?
~ Christiana
The Words of Wisdom? is a publication of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett.
