An article written by my father, the Rev. C. Thomas Paige, as it appeared in the Tri-State Defender on the date shown.
One of the most important forces at work in each of our lives is uncertainty. Years ago, people used to say, “Here today, gone tomorrow.” With this accelerated way of things today, we might paraphrase the saying to read, “Here today, gone today.”
A few days ago a person sat in my class, apparently well and healthy. The next day she was absent from class and a few hours later she was dead. Later I went into a store and saw a man who a few years ago was enjoying his sight. Today he is almost totally blind, having to be led around by his friends. Both of these are isolated cases but they happen time and time again. This brings us to the question: just how far are we away from these things? None of us knows exactly what tomorrow holds for us. In the midst of constant uncertainty each of us must ever prepare ourselves for the inevitable.
Science tells us that there are two forces at work in all of us: one building up, the other tearing down. As long as the force building up is stronger than the force tearing down we will be in a position to enjoy life.
Hidden in the innermost parts of each of us is that force which makes for the presence of the uncertainties which plague us all. As long as we know that such is true, we must ever be on the alert to do our best at all times. None of us knows how far we are from some malady which would incapacitate us in a matter of minutes. With this in mind, there is an everlasting alertness on the part of all of us to live life on its highest plane. At no time can we live foolishly.
One of the parables told by Jesus brings this out very vividly when he relates the story of the Ten Virgins. Somewhere down life’s highway we must have more than is immediately needed. Those of us who go about trying to live on a margin will one day awake to find ourselves greatly disillusioned. In all walks of life we always must fortify ourselves with those things that will enable us to stand up against all crisises which might arise. In cases of blindness, loss of hearing, extended sickness, or loss of relatives we must be able to reach back and find something that will enable us to span the tide.
The real essence of life will be the way we are able to conduct ourselves in moments of crisis. We are able to conduct ourselves to the highest levels when we have fortified ourselves to withstand all ordeals. In an hour of temptation or trial, we must be able to reach back and find something upon which we can stand. We must not be led around by vile tempers, uncontrollable desires, or ill-founded appetites to the extent that we are unable to control ourselves. At all points in life we must be able to measure up to the occasion.
In proportion that we are able to measure up to all that confronts us will we be in a position to ward off unhappy moments that may confront us. In hours when we live in physical darkness like Helen Keller, or soundlessness like Beethoven, or extended illness like Robert Louis Stevenson, we will be able to show to others the ability to bear crosses with a smile. These, in the final analysis, are the kind of people so badly needed today.
Yes, your tomorrows are coming. But how will they find you? Only God knows. But in whatever state you find yourself, you must, in the words of Paul, let your life glorify God. The only way we can do this is so live that when our summons comes, we will be able to stand for that which is noble and worthwhile. This will make life worthwhile – for us, and all of those with whom we come in contact.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 