Raoul’s Two Cents: August 2, 2024
What Life Is All About
WARNING: Religious and philosophical topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.
There’s a wonderful video that talks about what life is all about. It’s only available in Twitter/X. Below is a transcript:
“In 100 years, in 2124, we will all be buried with our relatives and friends. Strangers will be living in our homes we fought so hard to build and they will own everything we have today — including that car you spent a fortune on. Our descendants will hardly know who we were. How many of us know our grandfather’s father? After our deaths we will be remembered for a few years. And a few years later our history our photos, our deeds will go into the dust bin of oblivion. We won’t even be memories.
“Maybe if one day, if we stop to analyze these questions, we would understand how ignorant and weak the dream of obtaining everything was — always having more and more without having time for the things that were really worthwhile in this life.
“I’d change all that to live and enjoy those walks I’d never taken. Those ungiven hugs and kisses to our children and our loves. That is what life is all about.” — Mindset Machines
I agree with that perspective except for the conclusion. It’s true that the love we bestow to one another and the appreciation of nature is more important than material wealth but it doesn’t address the after-life. The author probably doesn’t believe in an after-life and that is so sad. To limit the love until the end of one’s physical life is an incomplete reward. But to love and to hope for an everlasting life which you share with Christ and your loved ones — now that’s the prize I’m going for.
Jesus said this about heaven:
“There are many homes up there where my Father lives, and I am going to prepare them for your coming. When everything is ready, then I will come and get you, so that you can always be with me where I am. If this weren’t so, I would tell you plainly. And you know where I am going and how to get there.”
“No, we don’t,” Thomas said. “We haven’t any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
“Jesus told him, “I am the Way—yes, and the Truth and the Life. No one can get to the Father except by means of me.” — John 14:2-6
Friends are retiring and doing things they’ve always dreamed of. Many are traveling … taking on a new hobby. That’s all well and good and I’m excited for them but what happens when the novelty wears off? Where’s the adventure? Where’s the fulfillment?
I may not have a lot. But helping others understand the truth about the love of Christ and the blessings beyond their wildest dreams gives me joy that money can’t buy. How about you?
But this is just me.
TGIF people!
JOKE OF THE WEEK
Thanks to Dominic of San Diego, CA
Original art by Raoul Pascual.
Parting Shots
Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA
Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines
Thanks to Sharon of Connecticut
Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA
Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA
I found these:
My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with this.
Larry
August 2, 2024 at 10:14 am
Heaven and the love of Christ is our greatest gift. We endure this mortal coil just to prepare for our final destination. The trials and tribulations of our days here, are our things we go through and helps us keep our focus, if we are Christians to prepare for the kingdom above.
TGIF
Tom
August 2, 2024 at 10:14 am
Wonderful and Sobering issue! In taking my Motorhome To Mexico and mixing with the people there , I think they have figured life out. Being very poor, They truly enjoy each other. Very Hospitable and friendly though without the money or possessions we strive for here.
On Sundays the come to Church not for just an hour or two but hours enjoying each others Company and conversation and food sharing.
We here are off to our separate activities and businesses,
Quite a difference comparing our lives here with theirs there.
Thanks for the wake up call, Tom of Pasadena
Heather
August 2, 2024 at 10:15 am
I believe that the Life as we know it is not the last chapter but part of a bigger plan. However, while you’re here there are many things that you can do to make your life full of family and friends that you treasure all of your lives. My mother taught me that it’s never too far to get to a friend. I have kept that in my mind for all of my life. And remember this, love is the answer and the more you give love, the more you will receive love.
Oscar
August 2, 2024 at 10:18 am
Good morning Raoul. TGIF!
Communication is key.
I read somewhere in Acts that you can’t buy the blessings of Jesus or take it with you to heaven but everlasting life you will have with new blessings in heaven.
Hilda
August 2, 2024 at 2:05 pm
Best piece!
Audrey
August 8, 2024 at 11:23 am
Love the insights and thoughts you put on your weekly missives before the funnies.
Have a good rest of the week!