Enjoying life

People works so hard sometimes. They have hobbies and other things which make them relaxed and humane as well. Some of them are simple and seem very lay back while some others take anything personally and intensely. There are many approaches toward the sense of fullness of life. For me this is a mystery of human soul which point to the fact that we are created in God's image. Full of energy, creativity and potential, we seek beauty and meaning.

However, too often, the case is that people keeps dreaming of enjoying life. We are trying so hard to pursue that dream with the hope and wish that we could somehow enjoy it later.  Instead of staying in the presence and working out the life, the only life that we have, that is, we keep wishing and 'working for it." Meanwhile, it can be too late to realize that the time is up. What we think as 'good time' in the 'later' becomes moments of nightmare and emptiness. By saying this I do not despise process and hard-works, rather I am pondering on the state of 'wanting' rather than living which cause deep disappointments. Is there any other way to look at this? Let's reflect with me.

 Out of the honest feeling that there's some kind of imperfectness or something wrong in us, we want to get it fixed. We work hard to make it complete or satisfied. We 'want' to enjoy life so bad that we actually don't enjoy it. This doesn't stop here. In our era, internet and mass media bombards us with unrealistic image of how 'good life' should be. Perfect bodies, big houses, sporty cars, popularity --just name it, seems so tempting with their happy and cheerful images. For a few moment we forget that they are just that: ideal image, a made up one. Yet, many people go for it as if it's the only real thing they have to die for. But, is it?

So, what now? Is it wrong to enjoy good life, and to live at ease? No. Certainly not. In fact we are created for that. We are called and blessed to enjoy Life. Notice that I just wrote with capital L. What does it mean? It means that we are really called to enjoy Life. Not philosophically or imaginary. Nor is it idea or idealism of what good life looks like. We can enjoy it here and now. That Life refers to inexhaustible Source of joy and peace independent from external circumstances. Whether we are poor or rich, humble or noble, introvert or extrovert, we are called with the same enthusiasm and ardent spirit. Because that Life is neither idea or imagination but Person. And you know it.

Should we be reminded that we could never truly enjoy life (lower l, our day to day journey) apart from Life. Yes, we are surrounded by misery and sorrow. We are toiling and fighting each day with struggles and passions. But, let's ponder and ask: even in the midst of these things, do we enjoy His goodness? Or, Is for us His goodness and providence stops when we feel sad and down? No. His joy is amazing joy which the world, which those images offer us, cannot give. That's why in anything, literally in all things, St. Paul asks us to rejoice! Not because or material or worldly comfort that bathe us, rather because of His good hands who would never leave us no matter what.

Let us enjoy Life. It makes us real and beautiful. Have you ever wondered why over centuries, men and women of God leave their homes to find solitude and stillness to be with God for the sake of love toward all? They enjoy Life before all else. They have been such great witnesses over thousand years, that beauty and enjoying Life goes together. Are they immune of sorrows, sadness and struggles, then? Or are we Christians immune? Nope. But once you re-dispose yourself toward the Source of joy, you even have new beautiful perspectives on what you need to bear to be transformed, thus no joy is essentially removed.

Enjoying life is a blessing. And actually it is to be done here and now. Cling on that joy and let it guide you toward the pursue of sanctity and truth.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.