I am an amazing amalgamation of milliseconds;
A compilation of coincidences;
A collection of infinitely small spans of
time that separates me from the possibility
of my bloodline.
I have managed to outswim 500 million of my
brothers and sisters to be here today – continuing
a chain of happenstance that began moments
after the big bang brought the universe into being
Matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed,
so the same molecules that make up me in this
instance have been in existence for over 13
billion years!
We are heavenly, but there is no godly hand
evident in the creation of man.
I can instead trace evidence of my being into
the cosmos.
The same elements that make me unique have
been sourced to create the universe.
I mean, forget Jesus; stars died.
Galaxies gave their lives to form my fingertips.
How could I not find wonder in waking up,
be more amazed at each day that I am granted
more time on this little blue marble, floating
through the vast emptiness of space?
I am in awe of life.
To quote Carl Sagan, “I find it elevating
and exhilarating to discover, that we live
in a universe which permits the evolution
of molecular machines as intricate and subtle
as we.”
I am left breathless by the understanding
that my continuance is an example of the improbable
vs. the impossible, and despite what some
might think, this makes my life more precious
– makes each day more valuable – lends
weight and reality to the precious actuality
of each person that I allow into my life,
because I see that they are an amazing amalgamation
of milliseconds, a compilation of coincidences,
a collection of infinitely small spans of
time that separates them from the possibility
of their bloodline.
So I offer assistance where I’m able, compassion
when I can, and a hug when life’s weight
proves too great for them to stand, because
these memories will be the markers of my legacy
– allowing me to exist for eternity – or
at least, a few years past my mental exit
from this planet, a few years past my physical
exit from this planet, a few years past that
moment in time when my atoms are reconnected
with the cosmos.
I live my life relaxed and happy, because
I know that I could be gone tomorrow, and
like Stephen Hawking said, “When your expectations
have been reduced to zero, do you truly appreciate
everything you have.”
