“Saint Francis, hoeing his garden, was asked what he would do if he knew the world would end tomorrow. ‘Continue hoeing my garden,’ said the saint.”
—Suzanne Guthrie.
I have often heard this phrase attributed to St. Francis, and wondered what I would do if I knew I was about to die. I have made writing every day a discipline for almost two years—one of my best spiritual practices. Would I keep on writing? As I look outside to trees and birds and sky from the floor-to-ceiling window in my office, and my fingers hit the keyboard, I feel a peace that I hope is God’s presence. Writing is indeed my best form of prayer, praying with my fingers.
I know I would spend as much of the last day with my family—actually, as much as possible. I might entice my grandchildren to watch a movie with me and then just secretly watch them. I would want to be with my husband as much as possible. By actions and words, I would want to make certain my family and friends knew how much I love them. I would like to have a meal with my family and friends. I would look at old pictures to keep memories with me. I would spend more time with the family pictures and icons and remembrances of joy that surround my desk. I would ask for prayers from the good pray-ers I know, especially the women in Daughters of the King. I would also spend time in prayer at a sacred space.
Of course, if everyone else knew the world was coming to an end, it would be interesting to see how our paths might cross!
So, what does all this mean?
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever,” is attributed to Mahatma Gandhi.
I try to carry these two quotes by Gandhi and St. Francis with me each day and share them with spiritual friends as well. The quotes are a good daily benchmark as to whether we are doing the practices that bring us closer to God.
Gandhi’s quote is a paradox, an anchor metaphor for our life, which is a constant ambiguous paradox. Each day this year I hope to spend more of my time doing things to help me realize my best connections to God, as well as to myself, my neighbors, my family, and my friends.
Of course, often the connections lead me to other places, and I pray to stay open to these new adventures.
Joanna . joannaseibert.com