What a Life! for April 25-29, 2007

Spiritual writers of the past have described life as a journey, a pilgrimage, a voyage from God to God. This is not our permanent home. We are only passing through this world. Some unknown author has updated this idea using a train ride. I hope you enjoy it.

“Life is like a train ride. We get on. We ride and get off. Accidents and delays happen. At certain stops there are surprises. Some of these will be great moments of joy. Some will result in profound sorrow.

“When we are born and we first board the train, we meet people whom we think will be with us for the entire journey. These people are our parents. Sadly, this is far from the truth. Our parents are with us for as long as we absolutely need them. They too have journeys they must complete. We live on with the memories of their love, affection, friendship, guidance and their ever presence.

“Others board the train and eventually become very important to us. These people are our bothers, sisters, friends and acquaintances whom we will learn to love and cherish. Some people consider their journey as a lighthearted tour. They will just go merrily along. Others will encounter many upsets, tears, and losses on their journey. Still, others will remain to offer help to anyone in need. Some people on the train will leave an everlasting impression when they get off. Some will get on and get off the train so quickly that they will scarcely leave any evidence that they ever traveled with you or even crossed your path.

“We will sometimes be upset that passengers whom we love will choose to sit in another compartment and leave us to travel on our own. Then again, nothing says we cannot seek them out. However, once sought out and found, we probably cannot sit next to them because that seat will already be taken. That’s okay. Everyone’s journey is filled with hopes, dreams, challenges, setbacks and goodbyes. We must strive to make the best of any situation, no matter what.

“We must constantly strive to understand our travel companions and look for the best in everyone. Remember that at any moment during our journey, any one of them can have a weak moment and be in need of our help. We too may falter, hesitate, or even trip. Hopefully, we can count on someone being there to be supportive and understanding.

“The biggest mystery of our journey is that we do not know when our last stop will come. Neither do we know when our travel companions will make their last stop, not even those sitting in the seat next to us.

“Personally, I know I will be sad to make my last stop. I am sure of it. My separation from all those friends and acquaintances I made during the train ride will be painful. Leaving all those I am close to will be a sad thing. Then again, I am certain that one day I will get to the main station, only to meet with everyone else.

“They will all be carrying their baggage, most of which they did not have when they first got on the train. I will be glad to see them again. I will also be glad to have contributed to their baggage and to have enriched their lives, just as much as they will have contributed to my baggage and enriched my life.

“We are all on the train ride together. Above all, we should all strive to make the ride as pleasant and memorable as possible, right until we each make the final stop and leave the train for good. Bon Voyage!”