Is any of what I say regarding the above title relevant to our situation? -that is not up to me to decide. The best inspiration comes from the most unlikely source.
Take care of all your memories. For we cannot relive them.” -Bob Dylan.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
The message emphasizes the importance of living in the present. It suggests that although we can learn from the past and plan for the future, it is the present moment that truly matters and should be embraced. This is the moment where we have the power to make a difference.
Our thoughts guide us all. We each remember our first confession. It has been a long time since I attended, but after mass last week with my mom, I decided to give it a try when the priest announced he was hearing confessions. I took on the mindset of a child trying to recall my sins, feeling a bit nervous, worried I might even invent some. Come on, didn’t we all do that? I recall an 80s movie that many of you of a certain age might remember: Catholic Boys. In one scene, a boy asks his friend, “What should I tell the priest?” The advice given was simple: “Tell him you lied or swore.” Then comes the next line we all remember: “Christ, don’t tell him that or he’ll cut your… off.” So funny!
We struggle to recall things we never consciously remembered, so why do we procrastinate? Memories exist to be treasured and valued. This is where it gets interesting. Experiences are where we grow. Our successes, failures, and reactions truly define us. Simply put, if we collect beautiful moments, they will tell the story of our lives. Living fully in the present moment allows us to create those vivid memories. It’s not science, but a reminder to embrace the now. Last Sunday, Susan and I went for a drive and ended up in a place with an extraordinary view. We took time to savour the surroundings, and by appreciating that very moment, we created a memory we can share forever.
I will conclude with a reminder: live by your own principles, not by a set of external rules. Imagine having the ability to read minds for 24 hours. I guarantee you wouldn’t even want to leave your house. I remember a movie starring Mel Gibson where his character had that exact power. At first, he was thrilled, but soon realized it was more of a burden than a blessing. The lesson is clear: if you let other people’s opinions control you, you’re not truly living—you’re merely existing. Let’s live fully, create our own stories, embrace those who positively impact us, spread as much happiness as possible, and let life unfold naturally. A family friend once said, if the entire world’s population stood on the edge of a cliff and each threw their worries over, and you had to pick one, you’d definitely climb down and retrieve your own. Lesson in there for us all. Dave