Rambling on life
Four journeys over the last two to three weeks and some ramblings on life!
Journey One – Journey with a Bird
About three weeks back, we found a pigeon laying an egg and sitting on it in a nest built in an empty pot on our balcony. Both of us, along with our helper, have always had a hate-hate relationship with pigeons. The reason was simple: they dirtied the veranda, the clothes hanging out to dry, and the whole place. I would constantly wave my hands and shout every time I went out, and our helper would always curse and complain!
But suddenly, our posture changed from hate-hate to hate-tolerance, and maybe even a hint of tolerance-love deep in our hearts. The helper still complained but kept a safe distance to avoid disturbing the pigeon and the egg. I would walk in and out, intentionally ignoring the nest and the pigeon. Children of family friends would come and go, gushing over the nest and the egg.
If I could talk to the pigeon and understand her heart, I would ask her: How did you decide to build a nest in a place where you were never welcome? Was it an instinct that we would not disturb you? Or should I believe the evolutionists who think that you make decisions based on instinct?
But then, our responses had changed from hate-hate to tolerance-love because we sensed there was a life waiting to emerge. Despite my love of eggs, which I eat without any guilt, I felt guilty even thinking about destroying the nest, the egg, and frightening the bird away! A concern and respect for a life waiting to emerge soon before our eyes. Something about life that changes perspectives...
Journey Two – Journey through a Book
At the same time, I was reading 'Why We Die' by Nobel Prize winner Venki Ramakrishnan. This excellent book takes us through the nitty-gritty details of ongoing gerontology research and humanity’s desire to extend life. Writing on molecular biology and its intricacies and making it easy for readers to understand is not simple.
The only aspect I found difficult was his view that all these complex molecular biology systems work together because evolutionary forces brought them together. I find my faith in an unseen power holding these together easier. Maybe I need more faith to be a scientist! He concludes the book with some very thought-provoking statements:
"We are at crossroads. The revolution in biology continues unabated. AI and computing, physics, chemistry and engineering are being brought together to bear on what was the domain of traditional biologists. Together, they are creating new technology and increasingly sophisticated tools to manipulate cells and genes to advance every aspect of life sciences, including aging."
Applying a statement from Roy Amera, the futurologist to life sciences, he writes, "...all the hype in the anti-aging industry will lead to considerable disappointment in the short term, but it also means that once we get past the winter of disillusionment and discontent, there will be major advances eventually."
He ends the book with the following statement: "While we wait for the vast gerontology enterprise to solve the problem of death, we can enjoy life in all its beauty."
The desire for an extended life, hopefully enjoying or tolerating it, and making others tolerate the extended lifespan as well, but enjoying it today...
Journey Three – Journey with a Young Couple
Last week, we were at a hill station, joining in the wedding celebrations of a young couple. After almost a year of waiting, with multiple challenges, the wedding was finally on. Family, friends, and well-wishers from different parts of the nation were there, encouraging and supporting them.
They were entering into a new phase of life, looking forward to a new way of living and engaging—with some fears in their hearts. They hoped this new phase of life would be better than what they had gone through. It was worth supporting them in this hope.
We were sure they would see this hope fulfilled because one of the pastors reminded them of an important truth—a truth they took to heart. Only perfect love can cast out fear. This perfect love, which they do not have, can only be poured into their hearts by God. That poured-out love will ensure that their fears are cast away! We, too, are confident about them because we know that they have this love in their hearts.
Joining them in this hope and assurance of a new life in the days to come!
Journey Four - with an elderly couple
In between, we took a fourth journey to meet with an elderly couple. The wife was bedridden, while the husband, in his 90s, shared his life story and sang us a song he had written. He became totally blind at age 9 and was orphaned soon after; his life has not been easy.
But, in his own words, he “could play saxophone, flute, violin, guitar, bagpipes, piano, and a few other instruments—a jack of all musical instruments but master of none.”
With joy and a smile, he shared his life story, repeating time and again how grateful he was to meet all of us. He said he has been blessed beyond his imagination. He has written hundreds of songs (in Nepali) and a few in English—all inspired by his life’s journeys.
He then sang for us, his “song in his 90s,” as he labelled it, with a smile and an infectious, joyful, and grateful spirit. He then took us to meet his barely conscious, bedridden wife, gently explaining to her how grateful they were to have received us into their home.
Life at 90! Life in all its fullness? Is this not what life is about—Godliness with contentment, whether at the beginning of life, while facing the desire for immortality through gerontology research, or as we start new life journeys?
I wonder what I will be like if I reach my 90s!
Here are two bonus additions (songs Uncle sang for us)
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