Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
In my religious life, the practice of honoring/venerating my Ancestors is crucial. Remembering them through story, laughter, and most of all, a lot of love is as important to my outlook on life as is the Wisdom I gain from being in relationship with my wife, Rev. Bee. When I take time each day to sit quietly and reflect on my forebears, each one of them has a sort of “essence” to their memory… a flavor, a scent, a quality about them. Essentially, it’s what’s “written” on their “personal-memory headstones” in my mind and heart. Some of their epitaphs are poignant, accessible, and will remain lovely over the course of time, while others are simply an account of their own personal accomplishments when in life, accomplishments measured on a scale created by the egos of others.
Our deeds write our epitaphs. Who controls our deeds? Who do we SAY controls our deeds?
Seneca knew what was up when it came to right-living with agency. He asked, “Is it really so pleasant to die in harness?” Maybe… but we need to know what it is we’re harnessed to. Is it Virtuous? Is it Self-serving? Once you know, how will that look on your headstone? In the end, will your work be what takes you out? Before you answer, think about what Russian historian and communism critic, Aleksander Solzhenitsyn said when he noted that, “Work is what horses die of.” Always remember, you are a human being, not a human doing.
What are you losing or surrendering in order to have a fancy inscription on your headstone?
Maybe you see it as a sacrifice? Really? Is it sacra facere? If so, what is it that you’re making sacred? Fame? Superior feelings? Ego?
Live in such a way that you make your Epitaph worth dying for.
(See y’all tomorrow)
Our deeds write our epitaphs. Who controls our deeds? Who do we SAY controls our deeds?
Seneca knew what was up when it came to right-living with agency. He asked, “Is it really so pleasant to die in harness?” Maybe… but we need to know what it is we’re harnessed to. Is it Virtuous? Is it Self-serving? Once you know, how will that look on your headstone? In the end, will your work be what takes you out? Before you answer, think about what Russian historian and communism critic, Aleksander Solzhenitsyn said when he noted that, “Work is what horses die of.” Always remember, you are a human being, not a human doing.
What are you losing or surrendering in order to have a fancy inscription on your headstone?
Maybe you see it as a sacrifice? Really? Is it sacra facere? If so, what is it that you’re making sacred? Fame? Superior feelings? Ego?
Live in such a way that you make your Epitaph worth dying for.
(See y’all tomorrow)
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