Tuesday, June 12, 2012

The Good New Days

People often wish for a return to the good old days. First of all,
when we look at them objectively, they weren't really so good. Sure, I
have funny and pleasant memories from my youth, but I also remember
the confusion and loneliness.
I personally would not trade my life at this moment for my life at any
time in the past. Among other things, I now have a beautiful daughter
who I love more than life itself; my writing, which has evolved to
allow me to express my deepest convictions; and many small blessings
that add upto a pot of gold.
Secondly, the old days are called "old" for a reason. That's the past.
We can't goback.
What we can do is focus onthe journey forward.
"Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord,and for a Garden
whose width is that (of the whole)of the heavens and of the earth,
prepared for the righteous; – Those who spend (freely), whether in
prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon people;-
for Allah loves those who do good; – And those who, having done
something to be ashamed of, or wronged their own souls, earnestly
bring Allah to mind, and ask for forgiveness for theirsins,- and who
can forgive sins except Allah…." – Quran, Surat Aal Imran, 3:133-135
This is how we make a better future for ourselves and our families,
Insha'Allah. Letting go of anger, forgiving, asking forgiveness,
giving to the poor and needy, and racingto Allah. The Almighty has
given us the formula. This is how, instead of yearning for the good
old days, we create good new days! Our future can be as good as the
past ever was; it can bebetter, brighter and happier.
Let's build the good new days.