Will They Miss You When You Vacate Your Seat?
Living your life with purpose
Some years ago a friend sent me “The Train of Life” poem.
I found it to be profound and completely relatable.
On this the second day of the New Year, I wanted to share it with you with the hope that it gives you pause, introspection and reflection.
The words were so deeply moving to me, I have never forgotten and I watch it from time to time in reflection as I let it speak to my soul, keeping me grounded.
I hope the words of this most talented author and poet, speak to you deeply.
Train of Life By Jean d’Ormesson
At birth, we boarded the train of life and met our parents, and we believed that they would always travel by our side. However, at some station, our parents would step down from the train, leaving us on life’s journey alone.
As time goes by, some significant people will board the train: siblings, other children, friends, and even the love of our life.
Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we won’t realize that they vacated their seats! This train ride has been a mixture of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells.
A successful journey consists of having a good relationship with all passengers, requiring that we give the best of ourselves. The mystery that prevails is that we do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. Thus, we must try to travel along the track of life in the best possible way - loving, forgiving, giving, and sharing.
When the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty - we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who continue to travel on the train of life. Let’s remember to thank our Creator for giving us life to participate in this journey. I close by thanking you for being one of the passengers on my train!
When your station approaches and it’s your turn to step off the train — will you be missed?
Or will they hardly notice your empty chair?
Will it be relief that you have gone or sadness in your wake?
Will you depart with a heart filled with regret?
or…
Satisfaction in knowing you did your best?
Thoughts
It is my belief that we get nudges as to when our station is approaching.
Time and grace to right some wrongs.
I pray that you have the spirit of discernment.
I no longer make resolutions, I do try to become a better version as I age.
Are you able to get along with your fellow passengers?
Can you give of yourself even in difficult circumstances?
Are you thankful for the ride and for your fellow passengers
or
Fed up and cannot wait for the ride to be over?
Are you enjoying the bumps, admiring the scenery at the peaks?
Lending a hand in the valleys?
Are you laughing at the triumphs, comforting others in sorrow?
Can you forgive your fellow commuters?
How are you planning to ride this year? For the rest of your time?
I do not mean to seem morbid, but aging is a nudge that the station draws nigh, so there is time to make revisions.
What pages of your life will you rewrite this year?
Remember to be kind.
Pene Hodge is a mom, a nurse, a writer. She writes because she must. She loves people and is committed to sharing and gleaning knowledge for the betterment of all.