There, in the Heart of Our Lives

A recent advertisement from an insurance company had a recurring theme in recent months: THERE.

All human beings are unique, in their essence, in the events of their lives, and in how they react to them. They are there, they are at that point in their lives. There, at a place, at a moment, but never in immobility.

Some people are naturally optimistic, while others are habitually pessimistic, and this gives a particular color to the entirety of their lives. Yes, there are characteristics that are unique to us and that paint a picture of who we are.

There are different moments or ages in each of our lives. I am not quite the same at 7, 17, 27, 47, 67, or 97 years old. I have evolved, I am evolving, and I will likely continue to evolve. We are in constant transformation, in constant creation of ourselves.

The Lord knows us, and He is close to us at each stage we go through.

Some people may think that my life is beautiful, while others may judge it as miserable or insignificant, depending on various circumstances.

A phrase from the Gospel strikes me particularly: “But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.” [Lk 21:18-19]

The certainty that I am important to God, the conviction that He loves me, that He desires my happiness in this life and for eternal life, gives me great confidence in my life because He is THERE, present and acting in various ways (through His Word, His sacraments, His graces), whether I am sad, sick, or overflowing with joy. It is God who placed us in existence; it is through His creative love that we are here.

Yes, the Lord is there, present in the heart of my life, of our lives!

Bernard East, O.P.