127: Nothing is Permanent

Hello and welcome to The Hope Podcast. I’m Aneel Aranha. Today we are going to talk about how we shouldn’t take anything for granted because life can change in an instant.

One of the painful facts of life is that nothing is permanent. Not relationships, not finances, not health, nothing. What is even more painful is that we don't realize this fact and, consequently, don't value what we have, be it people or possessions.

We work hard and save every penny (cent/rupee/franc/peso) to have something for our old age, but we often don't get there. Death comes like the proverbial thief in the night ending all our plans. And if we do make it to a ripe old age, we are not in a position to enjoy it because of failing health or other issues.

We believe our parents will always be there and take them for granted. We treat our spouses in a similar fashion, if not worse. We neglect our children. We appreciate the value of the people in our lives only when we lose them! What point is it extolling the virtues of a person when they are lying in a coffin, unable to hear the good things we have to say about them?

We don't tell the people we love how much they mean to us. On the contrary, we hold grudges against them, letting our foolish egos stop us from making peace, and then one day find we can't say or do anything are live a lifetime of regret.

We think we will have plenty of time to meet up with old friends, learn a new skill or trade, or pick up a hobby, so we keep postponing things indefinitely. And then, one day, we realize we no longer have the time or the opportunity to learn anything.

Stupid, no?

So, learn what you want to learn. Make peace with those you are estranged when you can. Tell the people you love that you love them. Affirm and appreciate those who make (or have made) a difference in your life. As for money, spend it while you have it and spread it around. This doesn't mean you shouldn't save or invest some for a rainy day, but be wise about it. You don't need more than one house to live in; there is only one of you! And you don't need a bank account with a huge surplus; you're not going to buy Twitter! Live a little!

And, oh, yes. While you are at it, don't forget to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven as well, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:20).
 
May the Spirit be with you.