Where to begin?

We often begin with the end in mind, as if looking at a map. A pilot has coordinates to reach his destination. A driver has an address to plug in his GPS and will receive an estimated time of arrival (ETA). Technology affords us a great degree of efficiency, effectiveness, and predictability. In today’s world, being tech-savvy is a necessity and less a luxury. Every day in so many ways, we program things – from our alarm clocks to our microwaves to our coffee pots. We time things. We budget. We schedule. We make room for a wide variety of activities, including cooking, dining, cleaning, productivity, and resting. A 24-hour period is balanced by dark and light; we rely on the sun and moon to guide us by day and night. More importantly, we rely on God Who created the sun and moon, Who created human life. Belief in God is central to our lives. We have the freedom to move closer to or farther away from our center. How many of us are mindful of the Day of Judgment? Are we accountable to our Creator (Al-Khaliq)? What if there is life after death? Are we ready to meet our maker (Al-Musawwir)?

We think of completion, like reciting the alphabet from A to Z. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step (Lao Tzu). We must not let the thought of an impending end doom us. Beginning with the end in mind can empower us. We have a future we are working toward. In school, we may or may not have difficulty in choosing a major. To graduate, we are required to enroll in certain courses depending on our focus. There is room in the world for both generalists and specialists. We can exceed expectations and journey beyond limitations. We may face failure or rejection, but that should not deter us from our purpose of lifelong learning from the cradle to the grave.

History teaches us change is possible. It’s not due to the waving of a magic wand. It’s the result of work and organization, protests, peace parties and legislation. We can make the world a better place. We must be awake for it to receive it. We must believe change is possible to pursue it. Hold fast to courage. Your dreams are a heartbeat away. Plan for success; don’t stumble upon it in the dark. Make and meet small goals every day and think big; make room for tomorrow. Write down what and whom you’re grateful for. Collect your notes of gratitude in a jar for a period of time - a week or a month or a year - and open up your slips of paper after their being hidden. This practice has an awesome impact on the heart and soul. It’s a journey from darkness to light. When we’re sad, we see struggle - an uphill climb. When we’re joyful, we see beauty - a breathtaking sky.

Wed your actions to your intentions. God sees both and rewards accordingly. You get credit for setting good intentions, so set the right intentions. Wake up early to pray. Eat healthy foods. Exercise. Love fiercely. The sooner you determine the course of your life the farther you’ll go in the right direction, so focus on your destiny. Someone may catch up to you or pass you, but it’s better to be on the right path than to walk blindly without affirmation.

We are dependent on God in the beginning and the end. We often fool ourselves in-between. So many people think they’re on their own, but they’re not. God is the hearing we hear with and the seeing we see with. Seek closeness to Him. Everything you have can be taken away from you in a matter of seconds except what you have stored for yourself in the next life. So, have faith! Store up treasures in heaven. Even if you drive a modest car, your treasures may be in heaven. So, set your eyes on the Lord! Stay centered. He is sufficient for us. He is our anchor when we arrive at the shore. After a long sea of battles, He is our peace and so much more.

With love,

Yeru