No one in these senior years is immune to thoughts that attempt to make meaning of the lives we’ve lived. And as usual, a recent episode of the television show, Call the Midwife, has evoked those kinds of deep thoughts.
As children on the show made time capsules (and yes, some of the adults, too) they all mused on what the future would bring. The year 2000 seemed fantastically far off to those little ones, and even to the grownups. And yet, here we are, more than 25 years past the new millenium.
I find it a wonder to be where we are. How fast it all went!.
So today, I’m just sharing the words of the character Sister Monica Joan from a recent closing moment. Just some things to think about:
We promise our children that there is a future; that one day there will be others on the grass where they play now, looking back in wonder at the lives that went before.
Every life contains some promise at the outset. Sometimes, its potential is not reached. Sometimes it blossoms despite the wind and rain. We all carry seeds within us. If we are blessed, they bloom into courage, faith, hope and the love that finds a way.
Children see nothing of that, nor do they need to. It is enough that they are laughing, saying “This is who we were last week, yesterday, an hour ago.” A child’s past to a child is already ancient history and their future views as far off as the moon.
That is as it ought to be.
Let the present nourish us. Let us turn our faces to the sun and even as the moment fades and falls away, let us follow. We will remember it.
We do remember it. We remember so many moments as we look back from almost three-quarters of a century.
I’d love to know what comes up for you when you read Sister Monica Joan’s words. Every comment here is a real gift.
I love how your reflections beautifully capture how memories shape our lives long after moments pass. This thoughtful post inspired me to cherish the people and experiences that matter most.
The love and care, the constant work and eagerness to heal were so important in the series. I believe it affected those who watched in a very positive way. Great post.
I so enjoyed this series and felt that it brought the importance of the care of ALL people to the forefront. We need more of this on television. Thanks for your post.
What a beautiful reflection. As we get older, it really does seem like time moves faster, and it’s amazing how quickly the years become cherished memories. Sister Monica Joan’s words are a wonderful reminder to appreciate the present moment while we have it. I especially loved the thought that we all carry seeds within us that can bloom into courage, faith, hope, and love.
This sounds like an amazing series. I’ve never seen it, but I would love to. It’s the perfect example of the ebb and flow of time, and why we need to be in the now.
This is a beautiful reflection of the past and holds so many wonderful and memorable thoughts and memories. We should all cherish the small moments in life and be positive for what the future will hold for us.
I remember making a time capsule when I was a kid! And watching movies like Back to the Future and thinking those times seemed so far away, but now we’ve passed those times!
I am a recent dad, been blessed with a beautiful 11 month old daughter. Each word echoes and grows in importance as I take care of her every morning before leaving for work. I wish this world be a peaceful place for every generation!
It’s amazing the programmes that we watch that can trigger memories of our past. I’ve been rewatching things I saw years back, it’s amazing the difference of how these programmes are between now and when I was a teen.
I haven’t watched this show, but it sounds like a good one! Yes, time goes so fast and it’s fun to reminisce about things, putting together the pieces of where we have been and where we are going
Our past is as important as our present and we need both to make meaning of our lives. We tell stories to either connect us to our ancestral past or teach the wisdom gleaned from many life lessons. Being present helps us convey all these stories in some fashion. Sister Monica Joan’s words are beautiful and contemplative.
I really enjoyed reading this. Posts like this remind us to pause and appreciate the experiences that have shaped our lives and the people who have influenced our journey. Beautifully written.
I totally agree with you that time really does fly. I also liked Sister Monica’s reminder that even if some of our plans or potential don’t unfold the way we hoped, it doesn’t mean life is any less meaningful. What matters is continuing to live the best life we can, appreciating each day as it comes, and remembering that there is still so much to look forward to because the future remains bright.
I really felt this one. That thought about children seeing even yesterday as ancient history made me smile a little, and then the rest of it hit much deeper. There’s something comforting in being reminded to notice the moment while we’re still inside it.
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I love how your reflections beautifully capture how memories shape our lives long after moments pass. This thoughtful post inspired me to cherish the people and experiences that matter most.
As I age, memories become more important.
Such beautiful writing. I love CTM for that very reason.
Yes, the writers are fantastic, aren’t they?
The love and care, the constant work and eagerness to heal were so important in the series. I believe it affected those who watched in a very positive way. Great post.
I so enjoyed this series and felt that it brought the importance of the care of ALL people to the forefront. We need more of this on television. Thanks for your post.
I love this series so much.
What a beautiful reflection. As we get older, it really does seem like time moves faster, and it’s amazing how quickly the years become cherished memories. Sister Monica Joan’s words are a wonderful reminder to appreciate the present moment while we have it. I especially loved the thought that we all carry seeds within us that can bloom into courage, faith, hope, and love.
She was a beloved character, for sure, just full of wisdom.
This is such a great reminder. I do remember so many wonderful things, and I hope my children will as well. Time does seem to fly by.
Way, way too fast. So fast.
This sounds like an amazing series. I’ve never seen it, but I would love to. It’s the perfect example of the ebb and flow of time, and why we need to be in the now.
You must see it. You must.
This is a beautiful reflection of the past and holds so many wonderful and memorable thoughts and memories. We should all cherish the small moments in life and be positive for what the future will hold for us.
May it be so.
I remember making a time capsule when I was a kid! And watching movies like Back to the Future and thinking those times seemed so far away, but now we’ve passed those times!
I love the idea of time capsules!
I am a recent dad, been blessed with a beautiful 11 month old daughter. Each word echoes and grows in importance as I take care of her every morning before leaving for work. I wish this world be a peaceful place for every generation!
It’s amazing the programmes that we watch that can trigger memories of our past. I’ve been rewatching things I saw years back, it’s amazing the difference of how these programmes are between now and when I was a teen.
I love Call the Midwife, it’s a meaningful show, and the stories can really have an impact.
I haven’t watched this show, but it sounds like a good one! Yes, time goes so fast and it’s fun to reminisce about things, putting together the pieces of where we have been and where we are going
Our past is as important as our present and we need both to make meaning of our lives. We tell stories to either connect us to our ancestral past or teach the wisdom gleaned from many life lessons. Being present helps us convey all these stories in some fashion. Sister Monica Joan’s words are beautiful and contemplative.
I really enjoyed reading this. Posts like this remind us to pause and appreciate the experiences that have shaped our lives and the people who have influenced our journey. Beautifully written.
I totally agree with you that time really does fly. I also liked Sister Monica’s reminder that even if some of our plans or potential don’t unfold the way we hoped, it doesn’t mean life is any less meaningful. What matters is continuing to live the best life we can, appreciating each day as it comes, and remembering that there is still so much to look forward to because the future remains bright.
I really felt this one. That thought about children seeing even yesterday as ancient history made me smile a little, and then the rest of it hit much deeper. There’s something comforting in being reminded to notice the moment while we’re still inside it.
It’s wonderful how children’s minds work, perhaps we could learn something from them, and cherish every moment of happiness.