“I could have.What does this phrase mean? At any given moment in our lives, there are certain things that could have happened but, didn’t. The magic moments go unrecognized, and then suddenly, the hand of destiny changes everything.” Paul Coelho
A very wealthy man asked a Zen master for a text which would always remind him how precious life was with his family.
The Zen master took some parchment and, in beautiful calligraphy, wrote:
“The father dies. The son dies. The grandson dies.”
What? – said the furious rich man. – I asked you for something to inspire me, some teaching which might be respectfully contemplated by future generations, and you give me something as depressing and gloomy as these words?
“You asked me for something which would remind you of the happiness of living together and the precious moments you have with your family, said the Zen Master.”
Knowing anyone of us could die at any moment is not something we need to focus on, rather, let’s hold this truth closely as a reminder of how precious and sacred life is, and that each moment counts.
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 
Yes. Each moment counts…
It does. More than we know. 🙂
Sadly, the excruciating pain of loss reveals this deep truth more than anything else.
I agree Don. Death wakes us up to see that truth.
Get rid of the could’s and should’s .. live and love fully.
So easy to forget. Thank you for the reminder Karen. xo
Thanks Val, it’s good to be reminded. 🙂
So true Karen. Sometimes I think the best thing we can do is remind ourselves and give ourselves love on our journey ! xo
Yes lots of love 🙂
Sweet photo!
So cute and precious.
this moment
now seems
more precious 🙂
It is David, I love your comments.
So true that life is precious and sacred! Thank you for this.
Thankyou also. 🙂
It goes to show that often when we ask questions we are not happy when the answer is not what we were already thinking in our heads Karen.
I’m reminded of a story where a woman visited her pastor and asked him to pray that she would be more patient. He began by asking for tribulation in her life; difficult struggles, etc. She said hey that’s not very kind of you! And he said, you asked to be more patient…living through difficult times is what teaches you patience… ❤
Diana xo
I love this story Diana, and so true. Often the most difficult experiences bring us exactly the life lesson we need.
I found it interesting that when the rich gentleman asked for something from the Zen master, his response was immediate and negative. In life, when answers are not expressed in the words we wish to hear, our responses become defensive. It is wiser to listen and contemplate answers provided by someone experienced in life, than to combat those trying to help us.
Your stories are thought provoking. I appreciate your efforts.
Exactly, and I find this in Counselling as well. Hence the saying “Be careful what you wish for” These stories remind me also. Thankyou.
This is a wonderful lesson. Thank you.
Thankyou Elizabeth, it is so important to be present with life.
We both know how precious each day is Karen and I try to have gratitude each morning when the sun rises on a new day.
Yes me too Kath. Each new day is a gift.
This is a good reminder, again, Karen. I learned some of this when I lost my mother when she was only 39. But still have to remind myself all the time not to take precious moments for granted.
39 is very young Helen, I am sorry for your loss. Our time with each other is precious. Thankyou.
Love in every moment. So simple and so huge.
Exactly, simple and huge! Thanks Mary 🙂
https://youtu.be/KgZSrO7dzeo. I think i copied this address right. I thought of you when I saw this. If you get a chance to watch it, it’s only about 5 mins or so all about gratitude for each day. A fellow blogger posted it, who is going to be gone for a while as a farewell. I hope you will watch this, Karen. I promise it will make your day.
Love,
Mary
Mary I absolutely loved it. I watched it at 5:30am this morn and it was the perfect way to start today and everyday. Enjoy your gift today as well. Thankyou. 🙂
Carpe diem, Karen.
-Alan
Carpe diem, Alan. May we always ‘Seize the day’ 🙂