Rev. Suzanne Marlatt Stewart
Each human life is an interesting story of ups and downs. We knit our life together, make decisions, and create our own small world. Life is indeed meant to be very simple, and we humans complicate it.
George Carlin was an American comedian, actor, author, and social critic. Regarded as one of the most important and influential stand-up comedians of all time. Think about the following …
“The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
“We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
“We have multiplied our possessions but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
“We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.
“We’ve cleaned up the air but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more but learn less. We plan more but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait.”
My observation is that we complicate life in large part because we feel the need to react immediately to what we hear, see, or feel. So much of what complicates our life comes from convincing ourselves rushing is better than pausing.
Carlin reminds us …
“Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
“Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person will soon grow up and leave your side.
“Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart, and it doesn’t cost a cent.
“Remember, to say, ‘I love you’ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
“Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment, for someday that person will not be there again.
“Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.”
Take a breath, Dushka.
Rev. Suzanne, a resident of SaddleBrooke, is an independent writer and speaker. She was ordained nondenominational, representing all faiths, and her focus is inclusivity. Email her at [email protected].