Memento Mori

One day, you will see your last sunrise.

You will hear one final tune dance across the keys of a piano.

You will look back and whisper words of gratitude and sigh a breath of regret.

And when that day will come, we do not know.

But do not be so bold as to assume that waking up today means you will wake up tomorrow.

Do not become prideful and let hours, days, and weeks pass purposelessly.

Remember, you must die.

I like to stop and think. I like to breathe in deeply and feel the air fill my lungs.

What a beautiful thing it is, this life that we have been gifted. How beautiful the pain is that reminds me I am human. How wonderful the suffering that builds my character. How important the regret that forces me grow. And how life-changing the guilt, and the cross that takes these burdens from me.

After the thousands of sunrises I have witnessed and the millions of breaths I’ve taken, it can be hard to remember to be grateful for this life. It can be hard to rejoice and keep in mind that I am not immortal and that this earthly life will one day end.

So, I write this as a note to myself:

Live each day intentionally and courageously.

Embody virtue and integrity.

Build your faith and live truthfully.

Cast off all pride and serve others.

Grow in honesty and humility, for one day, you will die.