HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM A WOUNDED WARRIOR
A year ago, I raced ahead to meet 2020. My armor, tacked together by resolutions, plans and goals, bristled with vigor. I glanced at my trophies from the many years gone by that I had conquered with ease. I would barely break a sweat, I thought. I ended up being drenched- and it was more than just sweat. This was hardly a fight. Bruised, bleeding and humiliated, my armor stripped from me, I can only muse as 2020 walks away mockingly into the sunset. A warrior should muse, a wounded one all the more…
I hope we can overcome the pandemic this year, but my wounds from last year taught me there are far worse things I need to overcome. For he who overcomes inherits life.
Overcome impatience: When Covid-19 raised its ugly head in March, I worked and prayed for a quick end. The pandemic still rages. I didn’t lack faith, but I certainly didn’t have patience. And is not patience the hallmark of mature faith? Bound by time, navigating through time, as we make our journey through earth, patience is indeed a virtue that’s precious. Alas, a virtue that has all but become extinct in today’s world of instant gratification! Now that patience has been forced upon me, can I nurture it?
Overcome indulgence: Has not life become one endless stream of indulgence? I cannot help but think of those who lose their smell and taste because of Covid-what will eating be like? Chewing tasteless cud……..which is how life eventually ends for all! Pleasure has its place; pleasure not knowing its place is indulgence. And indulgence is meaningless by itself. Now that pleasure has been curtailed, can I ponder about that which really matters?
Overcoming self-centeredness: I was blissfully unaware of my self-centeredness, busying myself with my work, my aspirations and my streaming shows. People I came across were mere inconveniences, to be brushed away from my path. Today I am sick of Zooming and WhatsApping. But what I am really sick of is myself! I need others. Now that I can no longer meet people, can I really connect with others when life resumes?
2020 has battered me and humbled me. But are we not overcomers? To one who overcomes, life awaits! Have a blessed new year!!
4 thoughts on “HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM A WOUNDED WARRIOR”
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Many thanks Brother!
Apt reflections for Apt times!
……The best way to prepare oneself would be to lead a life of union with God, being willing to deny ourselves in our daily decisions and discerning his will in all we do now….
adapted from previous blog
Thank you!!1
Thank you for this reflection on 2020 and for the resolution for 2021. So much has happened and so much change is longed for . May 2021 be a year where we realize what really matters