A Pair of Brown Shoes: Carpe Diem

Carpe diem is a phrase from a Latin poem by Horace. The phrase is part of the longer Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero – "Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future", and the ode says that the future is unknowable, and that instead one should scale back one's hopes to a brief future, and drink one's wine."* Horace’s view of life could be perceived as dismal and void of hope.

We have made a decision to seize our days. Too many times we have caught ourselves dreaming of some day. We have decided the time is now. We have mapped out a plan. Our lives have become encumbered. We are weeding out people, commitments and things that are draining us physically, spiritually and mentally. Deposits have been made, airline tickets booked, and rocking chairs placed on the front porch. Some day has arrived.

Not only are we in the process of renovating and cleaning the clutter from our home, we are doing the same with our lives. We have made a choice to forgive and let go. The bitterness and unforgiveness of others cannot hold us hostage. It has been said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. That goes both ways.

Our life here on earth is brief. If it were all we had to look forward to, we would be in a place of despair. Thankfully, we look forward to even a greater life after this earthly tour.

We are blessed with wonderful friends and much family. Time is too precious to waste. With the guidance of our Father, we hope to use it wisely. For three days in a row we have dined with friends. While we love these times together, we may have to form a plan to meet and move our feet opposed to the current meet and eat. Well, maybe when the weather is cooler.