The Here and Now... Jean Vanier

It is the same story for all of us.
As children in school we say:
"I'll be happy as soon as I am old enough to get out of school and can work!"
Once out of school and with a job, we say:
"Ah, I can't wait until I get married, then I will be happy!"
A while after the wedding celebration,
when the couple realises that life is a bit lacking in variety,
they say, "But when we have our own children... then we will be really happy."
Once the children are there, it's wonderful.
but they cry at night and we sigh,
"Ah when the children get older..."
Then when the children do grow up and create all kinds of problems,
the couple dreams of the children leaving home and they will finally be alone.
As the couple grows old, they think of the past and say:
"Wasn't it wonderful in the good old days, when we were younger!!"

We have difficulty living the present moment,
trusting in the presence of God in the here and now and giving thanks.
-Jean Vanier