The ARDS Foundation - Body, Mind, & Spirit

By Pastor Ian

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

This is the time of year when I like to reflect (and try to learn) from what has been, and peruse what may be ahead.

' We are the product of our own actions ,' might seem to be an authentic statement, and I often find myself walking down this lane of thought. It is of course only partially correct, and our lives are influenced, not only by our own actions, but by the actions of others who may or may not be known to us. A brief example might be this: Moving slowly ahead on a green light our car is struck by a vehicle coming in the opposite direction that is attempting to beat the lights on an amber or red. We end up in hospital or worse. Another example might be : waking up one day with all the symptoms of influenza, the result of a random attack by a 'bug' from an unknown source . The movie "Paying it Forward" mirrors some of these happenings. I think you get my meaning. We live in a world in which our own actions and the actions of others combine to affect our lives in both positive and also, occasionally, in negative ways.

So with this in mind, what has 2005 been like for you? Some will have known the bitterness of the loss of a loved one; some will have experienced health issues; some will have entered into a new relationship, either personal or work related; some will have traveled to exotic places; some will have experienced poverty - separation - injustice and other negative aspects of life; some will say it has been a good year with many positive outcomes, and some will not be quite so ebullient.

Whatever 2005 has been for you I want you to consider a suggestion from me. If we know anything about the year ahead we can expect it will be a combination of the following:

Fast paced/365 days long/ demanding/eventful/challenging /aging/ changing /healthy/unhealthy/ stressful/ rewarding/beautiful/happy/etc etc..

The move from one year's end to the next provides us all with an opportunity to "open a new page in our lives." The beginning of a New Year offers us a kind of a marker for adjustments to be made that will enhance our living by improving our psyche; our relationships with others and most of all, our Spirituality.

O.K I know you are thinking.. "What does he mean.my SPIRITUALITY..??? I can understand the other stuff about feeling better about myself and improving my relationships with loved ones, family, friends, employers, clients etc...but what has Spirituality got to do with feeling good?"

My answer to those who are reading this epistle is: EVERYTHING! When we can begin to think beyond the four walls of our lives and take on board the idea that there is much to life beyond our simple survival in the fast lane of life on a day to day basis, then and only then will we have arrived at the threshold of a new understanding of what I call "our Spiritual selves. The "me" that exists beyond my ego; the "me" that is motivated by things other than personal wants and needs; the "me" who recognizes an ultimate Power beyond the manipulation of humanity; that "me" is my Spiritual self and it is a part of each and every one of us requiring nourishment.

During 2006 we can initiate simple actions that will improve our lives, and my Scottish heritage reminds me of things we used to call 'New Year's Resolutions.' We thought about what we had done in the year just past and tried, often in a light hearted way, to resolve to do some things just a little bit differently. Simplistic.YES! Beneficial for our lives? Most certainly, IF we attack with honesty our key areas of need.

Now you may be reading this and saying to yourself. 'my life is just fine the way it is. I have no need of change or adjustment.' I congratulate you and suggest that you might be prepared to share the secret of your success with others who are less fortunate. For those like myself who are not so 'well adjusted,' we may be contemplating things like diet - exercise - relationships - education - work - charity - Spirituality etc., and wondering where we should do some fine-tuning during 2006.

Anthony Campolo took a survey of ninety-five year olds and asked them: "If you could live your life over, what might you do differently?" They said two things: "We would reflect more," and "we would do more things that would last beyond our lifetime." Profound words indeed and I offer them to you as we move into yet another New Year of our lives.

Friends, the distance to heaven here on earth is not so much a matter of altitude as it is attitude, so remember.if you don't climb the " mountain " you won't see the view.

I wish you all a very healthy and happy and Blessed 2006