**Ecclesiastes 9:10. Obviously the Old Testament writers didn’t have the more complete view of the life to come, but the point is still made.<\/p>\n
Okay, let’s try this again. Where we left off I’d just turned 75. I suppose that was such a shock I didn’t write for a year.* Maybe it was an effort to stop time; but here I am.<\/p>\n
Birthdays, overrated. Something to look forward to when we’re very young, something not so welcome at the other end.<\/p>\n
My funny uncle would talk about the maladies of old age as a result of candles. “Candles?” “Yes, too many of them . . . on the cake!”<\/p>\n
For all that, here’s a saying from a sage: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might (for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planting nor knowledge nor wisdom).” **<\/p>\n
It’s a great statement, one I’ve often cited, and need to now again, particularly as the latter segment looms ever nearer.<\/p>\n
I must confess the retirement mentality (the dreaded “R” word), has been creeping upon me. Thoughts of new goals and ideas that have ever been the rising waters under my boat are met with memories of their all having been attempted before.\u00a0The mental energy can be undermined.<\/p>\n
The truth is earlier outlets have shrunk, there are fewer publics to please, and doing things just for “self” is not enough.<\/p>\n
Still, this scripture challenges. Later or sooner, the time will run out. It’s saying: Don’t rest on past laurels, get going.<\/p>\n
What vows did you make? If nothing else, work on them.<\/p>\n
Make the daily list and do it.<\/p>\n
Write out your obit and live up to it.<\/p>\n
(That’ll put things in perspective.)<\/p>\n
If this is a melancholy moment, so be it; that too is good for the soul.<\/p>\n
There’s life ahead. It’s still a gift. And to be lived with all the might.<\/p>\n
Amen?<\/p>\n
Oh, and that’s me, below, with just four candles. Ha! Even then not quite sure about this birthday thing.<\/p>\n
_______<\/p>\n
* To clarify, I have two blogs, Blank Canvas<\/em> focuses on our art lives, is more or less monthly, and goes to a wider list. Blank Slate<\/em>, which you’re now reading, is to a more inner circle.<\/p>\n **Ecclesiastes 9:10. Obviously the Old Testament writers didn’t have the more complete view of the life to come, but the point is still made.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.hyattmoore.com\/blank-slate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/1947-Me-Fourth-B-day-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"