A Time to be Born and a Time to Die

“To everything, there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2). These words echo deeply in my heart today as I find myself standing at the crossroads of two profound moments—my birthday and the final day of my sister’s wake. Life has a way of bringing joy and sorrow together in a delicate balance, reminding us of the fragility and beauty of our existence.

The Paradox of Life and Death

Birthdays are typically moments of celebration, a time to reflect on the years gone by and anticipate what lies ahead. Yet today, instead of the usual joy of marking another year, I find myself in a space of mourning and reflection. The reality of my sister’s passing makes this day a solemn reminder that life’s moments are intertwined; joy and sorrow often walk hand in hand. As author Kahlil Gibran wrote, “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.” In the midst of grief, I realize that even on days meant for celebration, there can be profound lessons about the essence of life.

Reflecting on Life’s Brevity

Today is a stark reminder of life’s fleeting nature. My birthday, typically a reminder of life’s continuation, now stands as a juxtaposition to my sister’s wake, which signifies the end of her earthly journey. James 4:14 tells us, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” This scripture resonates with me deeply today. We often live as though we have all the time in the world, but moments like these remind us that time is precious and should not be taken for granted.

Embracing Grief While Honoring Life

Navigating the emotions of grief on a day traditionally filled with joy is like walking a tightrope between celebration and sorrow. Yet, I am learning that grief and gratitude can coexist. “Grief is the price we pay for love,” as Queen Elizabeth II once said. It’s a testament to the depth of connection we have with those we lose. Today, I honor my sister’s life by choosing to live mine more fully, embracing both the pain of loss and the gift of life.

The Legacy We Leave Behind

As I reflect on my sister’s life, I am reminded that our legacies are not defined by the number of our days but by how we choose to live them. Proverbs 3:3-4 encourages us, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” My sister’s legacy is one of love, kindness, and resilience—qualities that have left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her. As I step into another year of my own life, I aspire to carry forward these qualities, to live with the same grace and compassion she embodied.

A Journey Beyond

The pain of loss is softened by the belief that death is not an end but a transition to a new chapter of the soul’s journey. In John 11:25, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” This promise brings comfort, reminding me that my sister’s soul continues beyond the constraints of the physical world. Her presence is felt in the stories we share, the love she gave, and the lessons she taught. As Helen Keller so beautifully put it, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we deeply love becomes a part of us.”

A Call to Live Fully

Today, as I reflect on both the gift of life and the reality of death, I am reminded to live fully. To love without holding back, to be present, and to cherish the people around me. The poet Mary Oliver posed a profound question: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” This question rings louder for me today than ever before. It is a call to be intentional with my time, my love, and my actions—to live a life that honors both my own journey and the legacy of those I’ve lost.

Soul Insights

1. Balancing Grief and Gratitude: It’s okay to hold both sorrow and thankfulness in our hearts. On a day that marks both birth and death, let these emotions coexist, honoring the past while embracing the present.

2. The Urgency of Now: Life is brief, like a mist that appears and then vanishes. Let this truth inspire us to live with purpose, express love freely, and pursue what truly matters without delay.

3. Honoring Through Living: We honor those who have passed not just by remembering them but by embodying their values in our own lives. Let love, kindness, and faithfulness be the legacy we continue.

4. Finding Comfort in Continuation: Take solace in the belief that the soul’s journey continues. Our loved ones remain with us, guiding and comforting us in ways beyond the physical.

5. Embracing Life’s Dualities: Understand that life is filled with dualities—joy and sorrow, birth and death. Embrace the full range of human experience, for it is in these moments that we truly grow.

Reflections

As I stand in the space where birth and death meet, I am reminded of the intertwined nature of life. Today, I choose to carry forward the lessons learned from both, to cherish every moment, to live boldly, and to love deeply. My sister’s spirit is with me, encouraging me to make this new year of life one filled with intention, grace, and an unwavering commitment to what truly matters.

Soul Path Insights