I am sure that most of you think “life is the most important thing,” especially in the time of COVID-19 pandemic. That is why we look after our health, and hope for our longevity. However, I encountered two poems.
“When I thought life was the most important thing, I was suffering.
When I found there was more important thing than life, I was happy”
(by Tomihiro Hoshino)
It is a poem written by Tomihiro Hoshino, who once was a PE teacher, yet later, he became paralyzed below his neck, living the rest of his life in a wheelchair. Hoshino does not explain what he meant by it when he said “more important thing than life,” but later, I found the answer watching a TV advertisement.
“Life is important, you must take good care of your life…” “Instead of being told such words thousand times, the words “you are important” would give me the power to live life.”
He means that knowing how important you are would give you a strength to live, not by being told how life is important to you.
Now, the question is where you get such a message from. The world may tell you how important you are, but such messages usually are based on your position, qualification, and ability you have, not just as you are. That is why we continue to worry and tremble with fear.
However, there is a message from God who loves just as the way you are.
“Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, (Isaiah 43:4)”
These words are given from God who created you, and God loves you so that he gave his one and only Son, Christ, so He could take you sins away. It is God’s personal love toward you, and the love that gave His life to you.
I wish you will realize His love, and live your life along with Him.
Senior Pastor Masao Nakanishi
