While the world is grieving, it is France who has truly lost a monument of their history and soul. They are a nation in mourning. We’ve grieved our own losses through time, but this is theirs. Johann Wolfgang Goethe described architecture as frozen music. Notre Dame was one of the sweetest symphonies of all time.
I’m glad I had a chance to See Notre Dame. I’m sorry that my children won’t have that chance.
Think of how the world has changed since you were a child. Whether it be because of tragedy, or crime, or decay, or acts of nature, many places have changed, or even disappeared.
Venice is slowly sinking. They’ve already stopped allowing cruise ships in, and word is that eventually tourism will be banned all together. I’m glad I’ve seen it and I hope my children will, too.
The Grand Canyon is deeper.
Niagra Falls has moved.
The Twin Towers are gone.
Many of the Buddhist temples of the Middle East have been destroyed.
Monuments have been removed.
Several islands, mountains, and historicalsites have been closed to visitors.
The world is not static; it waits for no one. Sure, a bucket list is nice; but, it’s not to be a list of lofty goals for after retirement. What would you do if you knew this was your last month alive? What would you change? This may be about places and adventure, but it’s also about people and relationships. People are not here forever, either. What is most important to you? How do you see that in your calendar? This is why I travel with my children. This is why I worship with my children. This is why I serve with my children. Maybe living each day like it’s your last is extreme (because you may still need to buy food next month), but live each day with intention in the things that matter to you.
“I don’t think of all the misery but of the beauty that remains.” Anne Frank