One of the goals most of us have is to live a long and easy life. A long, comfortable life is a wonderful thing, but it also comes with some downsides. We need to recognize these negatives so we can avoid the pitfalls that may come our way.
An easy life may make things more enjoyable, but it can also lead to overconfidence. When nothing bad ever happens, we tend to become complacent. We stop going to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We attend Church less often and spend less time talking to God. Often, it takes difficult times to refocus our attention and strengthen our relationship with God.
A long life can be a blessing, but a common saying reminds us that if we live long enough, we will watch many of our loved ones die. I have lost many people I knew and loved, and it is never easy. Our loved ones become an integral part of our lives, and when they die, we lose a part of ourselves. Yet death can also serve a purpose. It reminds us of our own mortality and serves as a wake-up call to make sure we are on the right path.
It is wonderful to pursue a long life, but we must keep our focus on God. How depressing would life be if death marked the end and no afterlife existed? Even if I had a trillion dollars and could experience everything the world had to offer, life would still feel empty and meaningless without God and His eternal love.
Think of life as a tool that helps us reach God rather than the ultimate focus of our attention. A sculptor doesn’t adore the hammer and chisel; he adores the beauty he creates with them. Similarly, we shouldn’t focus solely on our lives but on the beauty we can create through them. Don’t simply try to make your life as pain-free and long as possible. Instead, use your life to create something beautiful and draw closer to the ultimate love and beauty that is God.
