Daily Digest #285

I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. —Philippians 1:23

I remember the House M.D. episode I was watching the other week. It was about a rape victim who was willing to live on, greatly because of her beliefs and principles. Dr. House, an antisocial maverick doctor who specializes in diagnostic medicine, was trying to convince her of the nonexistence of the afterlife and that what we have now in this material world is all there is to this life.

At one point, House argued, "They're out there, doctors, lawyers postal workers some of them doing great, some of them doing lousy. Are you going to base your whole life on who you got stuck in a room with?"

The woman replied, "I'm going to base this moment on who I'm stuck in a room with. It's what life is. It's a series of rooms and who we get stuck in those rooms with adds up to what our lives are."

I personally applaud the rape victim's character for pointing out how our actions and choices in this world can have eternal consequences. That if this life was all there is, without purpose, it's not worth living. Despite her unfortunate circumstances, she chose not only to carry on with her life, but to be an instrument to an unbeliever, that he suddenly opens up and talks to her without his mask of sarcasm and bitterness (which was his usual attitude towards everything). And I found that very powerful.

Our belief in Jesus Christ and His resurrection makes us look forward to something much more than what we have now. We are reminded yet again that everything in this life is temporary and that every moment counts. Our hardships will pass, our successes will cease.... but it is in how we react to the circumstances that we learn, share the wisdom and carry the lesson forever. Our positive attitude towards life not only enriches our own, but also causes a chain reaction, touching the lives of those who lack hope and courage and faith.

For this, let us pray. May we serve as light to others. May we trust that our flame will be also be rekindled, should it grow dim. May we see as God sees. Pray always.