The sign at the spring-onion farm spoke to the enjoyment of cooking with their unique produce. As familiar as the product is, this farm in rural Taiwan brought something unique that I could not quite identify. The natural freshness was combined with a floral sense of spring and more. I paused to take it in. I closed my eyes, visualising the work and dedication that went into planting, nurturing the growth, and, with the fullness of time, harvesting.
As the scene and emotions linger from the experience, I find myself watching a replay of my life. With sad irony, my reactions echo an old writer: “I hated everything I’d accomplished and accumulated on this earth. I can’t take it with me – no, I have to leave it to whoever comes after me.” (Ecclesiastes 2:18) For much of my life I am missed what was more important than the accomplishments and accumulations – the people I had the opportunity to support and walk with.
Life is found in the moment one has. We cannot repair the past – ours or the family who came before us. From slaves to moonshine, contributions to exploitations, givers to takers, it is all part of who we are. In owning this, I open the door to using yesterday to make a better day today. Denial serves no purpose except to ensure that I am blind. In opening myself up to the available lessons, I discover that I am supported by the best of my past working in partnership with Divinity within the moment I have now.
Life is an opportunity that is never as clean or perfect as one might imagine. Candidly, I bring the baggage I created to the present, unable to shake the lost opportunities or less-than-perfect words and actions. To those impacted, especially individuals who are close to my heart, I offer apologies from my heart and soul. I am committed to making a difference in the moments I have. Whatever good I can do is built in part on your patience and forgiveness.
What I leave behind matters.
