Keep enjoying life while you can
The other day I was sitting outside a store having a snack – root beer and a bag of chips. An elderly man was slowly making his way along the walkway towards me, looking at me with a small smile. Unlike Germany or France, it is very common for Thai to smile and greet people. So, I gave him a smile and a head nod/bow, and he smiled and shifted direction to come to where I was sitting. As he came up to me he asks in English, "Where are you from?" I tell him Canada, and then he motions to my snacks. I assume that he is going to tell me to eat better, especially since I am overweight and out of shape. I preempt him and say, "Yes, it isn't so healthy, but it's just once today." He nods and asks if I like eating the chips (a Thai brand and flavour). I say, "Sure, they are tasty. But I should stop eating snacks." As this part of our interaction is happening he is looking up, partly toward the sky, like he just saw something, or was reminded of something. SUDDENLY, he looks back down at me and says, "No. Don't stop doing something you enjoy. DON'T STOP" he says emphatically. Oh! I say. Why do you say that? He tells me that he used to love eating all kinds of things, foods, snacks, treats, and then he got a type of cancer in his body (he didn't specify) several years ago. Due to this illness and resulting medication he had to go on a strict diet. As he says this, he is looking down at my chips, then up again. And he says, "I miss the flavours so much. I miss eating what I love." And there was a hint on a tear in his eye. He quickly looks down at me again and says, "Enjoy what you can, while you can, before you can't anymore." He gives me a smile, and starts shuffling off. I say Thank you, and he gives me a hand wave.
Refreshing. I didn't eat more, actually, as I do need to lose weight. My kids have even been on my case! But, when was the last time you were encouraged to do something you love doing? Most of our lives are spent doing what we should, what seems best, and that is fine for the most part. But doing what we love? Do you even remember what it was that you loved doing??
Combine this encounter with a conversation I had with my son. We rode our motorbikes in the mountains. He loves riding! We are slowly working our way up to bigger bikes. He has even said he doesn't mind where in the world we may go, as long as he can ride. He saw me have my accident so he is a little more careful. Our prayer is that he will be able to continue riding, doing what he loves.
