Life does move on, and must. It runs on its own dynamic, neither determined by nor centred upon me or anyone else in the world. I have been blessed with a miracle. I am having time to stand back in life, even stand still a little. This is a life enriching time. I feel so good. Then I remember that none of this is going to last forever, but it may be a forever moment, a moment that will carry me into the future.
A strong part of this whole experience is that it has involved so many people. Friends, family, our cathedral community, doctors, nurses, chaplaincy - they have all been a part of this miracle. As I say, life is not a solo Olympic event. A powerful symbol of this is my walking stick, which has become my constant companion. It is my symbol of both receiving and giving kindness. Receiving kindness for, on seeing my need, people have been very kind to me. Giving kindness for, as I get stronger, I give kindness in return. Truly, life is a team event.
By nature of being vulnerable, one is humbled and feels humble. I know this too well. My formative moment in humility was being bathed by the nurses each morning in the hospital. Humility is an invaluable and inescapable gift for life's journey.
Life does move on. It is hard work and it is challenging. It is full of falls, but it is also full of opportunity to do good, to make something worthwhile of our lot, and never alone. And what I have found is that there is surprise after surprise, after surprise. It does move on, but in ways we never imagine possible. So we know that God is our ever sure companion.
