I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly --- my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.

Ecclesiastes 2:3

Life is what happens between the bookends of birth and death. Infants constantly seek attention because they are limited in ways in which to communicate their needs; they are also absorbed in the concept of focusing --- on anything.

We regard the activities of children as “playing”, when they are actually mimicking life. Everything they say or do stems from their years of observation. This gives serious consideration as to how we should behave in front of them.

The elderly spend a great amount of time reflecting on their past. They will either dwell on it, with many regrets, or smile over it, with fond memories. They also tend to give more attention to the possibility of an afterlife.

What we all seem to have difficulty with is focusing on the present. We brood over the past, due to our own mistakes, or hang onto feelings of how we were misunderstood or mistreated. On the other hand, we’re always looking ahead. To the weekend, a new job, an upcoming event, an end to a difficult task, or relief from a sickness.

We stumble through the drudgeries of the day, and in so doing, we overlook the abundant blessings that are before us. We miss opportunities to care for those around us. Sometimes the task at hand is to care for others, but we do it with resentment, because we don’t feel appreciated.

So we try to offset dull or difficult or meaningless experiences with periods of pleasure or entertainment. We look forward to them with anticipation, but often find afterward that they didn’t completely satisfy. And we are constantly seeking something better, going to the next level. This involves futile attempts at self-contentment, and can be costly.

It is acceptable to think of, and make plans for, the future. It is expected that we are to look back with fond memories, or to learn from our mistakes. But what if we were to focus on the next thing --- no matter how trivial?

Has it occurred to you how special and significant routine things are? Like tying your shoe. Or cooking from a recipe. Or mowing the grass. An Alzheimer’s patient has lost that ability. Like watching a sunrise. Or hearing birds sing. Blind or deaf people miss out on certain pleasures.

Some people only have a few days on this earth. Others have many, which, when looking back, seem like only a few. We can’t ponder and pine over wasted days gone by. Nor can we throw away today in anticipation of tomorrow. We must make the most of each day --- using all of our senses to appreciate this thing called life.

We are to also be ever conscious about those we come into contact with each day. How do they feel? What can we do for them? Do they need a listening ear, or a hug, or a piece of sound advice? Ask questions. Really listen to the answers. Ask more questions. Show that you care. Live.