ANZAC day, a personal approach

Last year, on ANZAC day, I wrote about the dark side of this event in the Australian calendar.

You can read it here: http://ANZAC Day's Dark Secret

In response to these thoughts, rather than attend the War Memorial Services, I’m creating a more personal approach.

Instead of listening to stories designed to whip up the Patriotic spirit, I’ve chosen to light a candle. With the candle keeping me company, I sit and dwell on all the reasons why war is not the best way to win at anything.

Not only do I consider war in the context of the ANZACs, but I also spend some time soul searching for when I’ve instigated war and conflict within my own life.

The solution, if it cannot be found in the wider world, can be found at home with oneself. And for that to happen, it’s important to take time out from the busyness of society and look towards one’s own life and impact upon others.

What thoughts do you have on how to cease war?

What personal stand are you making in order to create a more peaceful world?

Legacy and a homecoming

As the mind turns towards one’s legacy, it also turns towards thoughts about the After life

For some, the After life is a place of desolation and fear. For others, it is a place of non existence.

For me, death is a homecoming.

I can spread my love more evenly in death than in life. No longer, am I restrained by time and space, for I have met my God and realised the secret that is within being made in his image.

Don’t get me wrong. I love being alive too. It’s just an admittance that I cannot predict it’s timing and method. All I can control is how I face each day, and ultimately, my own death.

Do you fear death?

What does thinking about your legacy turn your own mind too?

Legacy and friendship

When considering what legacy to leave behind, it is sometimes useful to watch what legacy your friends and own family are leaving behind.

For a clue as to what is really valuable, think about the glue that holds these people in your life.

Is it your religion. Or that you all like to garden, or volunteer.

The themes that run through your closest relationships indicate what your values are.

They also point to what would be valuable to those you care the most about in your life.

And therefore these values can provide a foundation for determining what to centre your legacy around. And for who would benefit from it.