I think about time all the time. Yes, that’s a bad pun, but in all seriousness, I feel that a silver lining of having a chronic illness is that I fully understand how none of us know when our last day on Earth will be. Because of this, I have and continue to make each day count as well as connect with as many people as possible on a regular basis. Like everybody, I want to be remembered for shining a positive light on my little slice of the world that I inhabit, and leave good stories and legacies for my kids and those that know/knew me. I am far from perfect, and also like everyone, I have regrets, but when I think about time being the infinite jest, some of Dr. Martin Luther King’s final words echo in my head quite a bit. The night before he was murdered, Dr. King made his final public speech while having a fever, cold, and being somewhere (Memphis) where he didn’t really want to be (he was trying to broker peace regarding a garbage strike). He got out of bed, went to a local church and in part said:
“Well, I don’t know what will happen now. We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
Above are his final public words. The next day, this hero fell. He was 39. That’s all. I do not post this blog to compare myself to this great man, but it does get me thinking about how amazing it is that he wasn’t afraid of the future. Perhaps we should all take a slice of logic from these words and understand that as long as we try to do our best each day, we shouldn’t fear what will happen down the road. The speech is simply known as “The Mountain Top Speech.” If you have a moment, watch the raw power and expression of this great man. As I write this 2021 has only a few hours left. Let’s welcome 2022 and focus on what we can all do right now to make the world better than it was yesterday.
Peace and love to you all. Stay safe, stay awesome, and stay tuned.
Patrick moeschen 