Carpe Diem

​I woke up this morning and it was already today, time to post my weekly Mustard Seed. I hadn’t even started writing. I was bluntly reminded of another limitation on free will: time.
Despite recently becoming an officially retired old age pensioner, I still have obligations at Church, at home, with friends, and in my community. I still have to give unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s. Sometimes the things we plan to do take back seat to things that arise.
Many people quote the Latin Phrase Carpe diem, sieze the day. Most are unaware of the accompanying admonishments.
   First: Memento vivere, fac vitam incredibilis; remember to live, make an incredible life. This week it seems the days seized me; I’m rushing from task to task, barely having time to breath, and making an incredible table – hopefully. When I look back there will be accomplishments I’ll appreciate, but right now I feel very little free will, no sense of control over my life.
   Second: Tempus fugit, memento mori; time flies, remember death. This reminds us that death comes at an unexpected hour. We lay plans with the best of intentions and avoid the uncomfortable but at some point; we will no longer be here to do anything. I surmise things we plan shortly before death will amuse us in our after-life, but things we neglect will torment us. Why did we not make peace with our enemies? Why did we not thank someone, tell them we love them? Why did we not smell more flowers, hear more birds, and wade through more creeks?
   It’s approaching time to leave for Church, so I’ll end here and try to seize more days for a better Mustard Seed next week.

God bless.

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