Just A Flicker In Time

Sitting next to Kilauea volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii is humbling, to say the least. It is estimated that Kilauea started to form somewhere between 300,000 - 600,000 years ago; and, it rose from the sea between 50,000 - 100,000 years ago. Yet, these time frames are also very short when compared to the age of the Earth or the Universe itself.

Now, think about your own life. Let's suppose that you live to be 85-years-old and have a full life. This time is just a flicker in history; a pebble on the beach in comparison to the larger concept of time. It almost feels unfair. Yet, this is what we've been giving, God willing. So how will you spend that time? Will you add value to the world or take from it? Will you live a life of significance or simply accumulate things to try and prove your value in being here? Does it matter at all?

No, I'm not saying that nothing matters. Of course, we all want to enjoy long prosperous lives and experience the wonders of human ingenuity and technology. But think about it. Does it really matter if you can get your email on an airplane at 40,000 feet or pick-up that phone call on the edge of a mountain? Will this make our lives significant?

While standing in the presence of Kilauea volcano, you can only feel a sense of vulnerability and humility; and a sense of awe. And while this volcano will be here long after we're gone, we are determined to live a life that matters, to us and to others. Light a fire with your short flicker!

Here, Renuka and I pose with Kilauea volcano (in the hazy background!) on the Big Island of Hawaii.