Life as it is.....

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” ― Albert Einstein

Lately, I find myself feeling melancholy. Maybe it's an age thing. You know, the older you get, the more you reflect on your life.

I have to admit that I do have many regrets. There are things that I wish that I hadn't done and words that shouldn't have been spoken. There are also things which I wish I had done and words that I should have spoken. But alas, we only get one chance at life and there's no turning back.

Although we are the authors of our own books of deeds, unlike other manuscripts, this book is one that is set in stone. It can't be un- written, amend or delete.

The scary part is, even though we are the authors of our books,  we have no control over the number of pages and the duration of writing. All we know that it will be published in the Hereafter for everyone to read.

Ideally, we should only pen down good stories about ourselves but as humans, we have our weaknesses. There are some days that I feel my eaman is so thin that it's literally hanging by a thread. These are the days when I feel that I've gone off path or just plain lazy.

Of course there are days when I feel that I'm on track and ready to take on the world. The ups and downs of my eaman level can be quite maddening sometimes but the Wise Owl always reminds me that the real struggle is to remain steadfast on the straight path. There will be days when I win and days when I lose.

"Or do ye think that ye shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? they encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Messenger and those of faith who were with him cried: "When (will come) the help of Allah?" Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!"

Surah Al Baqara 2:214.

The above verse always keeps me grounded. No one said life will be easy but then again, no one said life will be impossible either. It's actually finding balance. Like Einstein said, life is like a bicycle. You will have ups and downs but you need to keep moving to keep your balance. The times when I feel like giving up, I'd always ask myself "what will you tell God later when He ask why?" Gulp!...I don't think I can answer that.

"And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops; but give glad tidings to the patient, Who says, when afflicted with calamity: “To Allah We belong, and to Him is our return”: They are those on whom (descend) Blessings from Allah, and Mercy, and they are the ones that receive guidance."

(Al-Baqara 2:155-157)

So, every day we must try to write fantastic stories for our books. I know you've heard this many times and I know it's easier said than done but please try. That is exactly what I need to do also.

If you need help, regardless of how often, just ask. Remember, God is always near.....

"When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way."

Surah Al Baqara 2: 186

"And your Lord says: "Call on Me; I will answer your (Prayer)"

Surah Ghafir 40:60