As I walked through an Armenian section of Beirut, the big bold white letters of a restaurant caught my attention. Initially, I thought I was looking at signs announcing a parody of an old American TV show. While I have not tried their food, it is on my to-do list, if only to see what they think real living should include.
The challenge to live as if one cares is an interesting one. If someone made the statement to me, my curiosity about what living this way means getting the best of me. Once we got through the first wave of questions about giving a fħk, the next wave would centre on living. So many whats and hows to talk about.
As I considered possible conversations, with the twists and turns, I found myself standing in front of a glass storefront. The natural reflection made it easier to see myself instead of looking at the merchandise. I wondered what I would say if I was asked what it meant to live like I gave a fħk.
Life is for living. Waiting is appropriate for many things; living is not one of them. I understand that some promises take time. I know being prepared takes time. In both cases, “until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens.” (Romans 8.21). Life reminds me that living is full-time, all the time. The question is how one wants to live. The answer will be revealed in the steps one takes.
Caring includes learning and growth. Learning can come through muddled expressions of care. Growth often emerges from well-intentioned failures. I have come to appreciate the difference between intent and results. I always need to look at both. Without intent, I am simply lucky if a positive result follows. With intent, I have an opportunity to understand what followed and to take the learnings into my choices for the next moment.
Today is for living like I care, intensely, fully, and completely.
