I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.

(Eccl. 3:12-13 NIV)

It is funny how so many commercials these days steal the lyrics from old rock and roll songs.  I can turn the television on and suddenly I am back in my childhood again.  I usually don’t pay attention to the commercial itself.  I just close my eyes, listen to the music, and sometimes even sing along.

One of those songs was playing today as I did the dinner dishes in the sink.  “I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger”, it sang.  I smiled as those lyrics sank into my heart.  I thought to myself, what would I tell a younger me if I could go back in time?  What advice would I give him?  What pitfalls would I urge him to avoid?  What mistakes would I warn him of?  What encouraging words would I share with him?  

I thought about this for a long time.  Then in the end I decided that my advice would be very simple.  I wouldn’t warn him of any events coming his way.  Instead I would encourage him to Live each day.  This is what I would tell him: Relax.  Stop worrying.  Slow down.  Enjoy today.  Share your talents.  Share your kindness.  Share your smile.  Yes you are going to go through a lot of things.  We all do.  But you will get through them all.  All that worry, stress, and fear is just wasting precious moments of your life.  Just remember that God Loves you.  And you are here to Love too.  Love God.  Love yourself.  Love everyone else.  Love nature, animals, this world, and this life.  Because when you Love, you will have joy, you will help others, and you will make this world a better place.

Of course I couldn’t go back in time to tell him these things so I looked in the mirror and reminded myself instead.  Then I walked over to my computer and wrote this to share with you.  May you always Love.  May you always live each day in wisdom and in joy.

Joseph J. Mazzella