My Life After Me...

One moment there was a bright light;

Another moment; and there was piercing darkness...

I've always imagined of how my life would be long after I'm gone. My life; the people I love, the words I've spoken and the actions that I've committed. Even after we've crossed the river, we leave behind so much; so how would what I leave behind be, without me?

I've seen many cross over before my eyes; some older than I and some much younger. The common thread that ran through the life-without-them, of these people, was what those whom they left behind, craved for, once they were gone; signs of their presence. This was how he smelt, or this was how his laughter sounded, or this was how the coffee she made tasted...an attempt to recreate, what once was. These are the things that we would be remembered by when we're gone, epitaphs of sorts, that get engraved, not on stone but on the hearts of the people, who were a part of our universe, when we were.

I was recently perusing through the papers, over lunch, when I bumped into the page that spoke of Les Horton, a popular and much loved columnist in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The writer lost his battle to cancer last month. A decade ago, one of his columns, carried his thoughts on death and how he would want to be remembered, long after he would be gone.

“Best epitaphs are those embedded in the heart,” he had written. What a profound and thought provoking idea! Les Horton was of the view that being remembered for a contribution to someone’s life in a way that enlightened the person or simply brought the person lasting pleasure was such a good thing. Lyricist, Majrooh Sultanpuri’s song, ‘Ek din mitt jaayega maati ke mol, furthers this thought, with a gentle reminder, that man is but only dust and the only thing that he would leave behind are his kind words, literally; and metaphorically, the love that he shares with fellow creation.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath; now ponder; what do you believe in so strongly that you'd be willing to die for (Credit: Oprah Winfrey)? That my friend, is exactly your epitaph, your personality; that is who you truly are!

Note by author: If you notice, the spacing, between the lines, from the fourth paragraph onwards, is relatively more than that in the first three paragraphs. This is because, I've 'copy-pasted' the latter half of this blog from a previously written, unfinished article. Strangely, I'd titled the previous article 'My Life After Me', as well. I believe that this is not a co incidence; I believe that this article was meant to manifest. No, there is no such thing as a co incidence!

Reverie

We often seek answers, to our questions, from counselors and life coaches; the truth being, that the answers lie within us, all the while; only that we don't see them just then. The only way these answers could be revealed to us is when His grace shines upon that area in our life, which needs His divine touch. We can find His grace only if we approach him and not mere mortals.

******

Strange, that we spend so much of our short time on earth, looking for love in the wrong places; or seeking affection from people, who are reluctant to give us the same. We often forget those few, who foolishly lavish love on us; only, secretly; and they believe that the Father, who sees this, their act of love, being done in secret, rewards them; rewards them with us, the best gift they could ever receive.

******

When I see someone in need, I can't help but believe that there is some connection between their need and His purpose for me, in life.Then there are times when I am weak, and I wonder how I could ever hold the people of God in my hands; for the Almighty's soldier ought to be brave. Then He, in His wisdom, reveals to me that, when I am weak, then I am strong; for God's power works best in weakness; yes, His grace is sufficient for me.

Don't You Hate It When...

• ... stupid health shows say, "Replace those french fries with carrot sticks; the latter is not only healthy but as tasty!"?
• ...you are forced to ping people, on your chat list, who you never talk to, only because the one you want to talk to isn't online (or isn't responding!)?
• ...you log onto Facebook for updates and the only update is a Farmville request?
• ...you know the answers to all the questions that the professor asks in class except to the one she/he asks you?
• ...the biscuit that you're dipping in your cuppa refuses to soften, but the when you hold it in a micro second longer, it disintegrates into that steaming hot beverage, that was your only hope to refreshment?
• ...the only conversation opener, that people you meet can think of is, 'Hey...you've lost weight!'?
• ...the guy/gal you have a crush on, bunks the lecture, that you forced yourself to attend?
• ...your boss insults you and you cannot say a word in retaliation?
• ...you yawn, opening your mouth so wide, and a handsome/pretty guy/gal ends up seeing your tonsils?
• ...you're friend eats up the wafer flower on your birthday cake and all you can do is smile?
• ...you finish taking a dump and realise the water connection has been cut?
• ...the soap, while you're bathing, slips out of your hand and falls into the WC?
• ...you're on a diet, eating a salad, and the hot chic/hunk across the table, is gorging on a burger?
• ...the movie that you so wanted to watch, in the theater, begins, and you realise that you've forgotten your spectacles at home?
• ...you finish relishing pani puri at the thelaa and realise that all you have a Rs 500 note in your pocket.
• ...you come back home, after a date, and look into the mirror to find out, that your nose is displaying its contents?
• ...only the people, who are seated away, from where you're standing, in the bus, seem to want to get off?
• ...it's a rainy day and someone stamps your foot, in the train, with their mucky sandals?
• ...you send the message that you typed for your friend, to your professor?
• ...you reach the end of your article, and realise that it sucks, but you don't have the patience to modify it?