This Is It

Avoidance: Some say, ‘You should try everything once.’ Some say, ‘Everything in moderation.’

There are many things I’ve never tried that I don’t want to try – even in moderation. I don’t want to try taking heroin, joining a terrorist organisation or walking across a busy motorway.

Age, preference, and common sense says I don’t want to attempt bigamy, play American football, pilot a spacecraft, run an ultra-marathon, catch leprosy… This is it. I avoid it

Acceptance: Some say, ‘If you put your mind to it you can be anything, do anything that you want to.’

I’ve had several conversations with older gents recently about accepting the state their bodies and minds… to remain mobile an electric buggy would help… because of a hernia you can’t lift so much… not remembering is OK.

Some look back with regrets on parts of their past that they can’t change – failed marriages, estranged children, unwelcome redundancies, bad mistakes…This is it. I accept it

Appreciation: Adverts assume that we’re dissatisfied and want more; life-coaches say we should be self-critical and seek improvement.

Yesterday’s weather forecast predicted a ‘mini-heatwave’ today and tomorrow. It will rain on Sunday. Summer? This is it! I walked along the seafront early this morning… gents fishing, about twenty swimmers swimming together, joggers jogging, dog-walkers dog-walking, everyone smiling.

The longer I live the more grateful l am for what I have. My family, friends, church, home, food, countryside, rest, health, personal faith… This is it. I appreciate it.

Anticipation: A couple of gents have gone with their wives on a ‘Lochs and Glens’ Scottish coach holiday. They showed us the brochure… Yesterday a friend, going on holiday to Tunisia, explained what she’s looking forward to…

I’m looking forward to today, this weekend, next week… the planned and unexpected… giving and receiving, working and resting, chuckles and struggles… learning to love better, trust more… enjoying the kindness, talents and generosity of others.

The certain hope of heaven is a closer reality. This is it. I anticipate it.