'How much longer will I live?'... Only one thing seems clear to

Hear, O children of wisdom, for the words of Henri Nouwen carry a deep and profound reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the true purpose of our days. He said, "'How much longer will I live?'... Only one thing seems clear to me. Every day should be well-lived. What a simple truth! Still, it is worthy of my attention." In these words, Nouwen speaks of the ever-present question that dwells in the heart of every human being — the awareness of our finite time on this earth. How long will I live? is a question that each of us must face, and yet, Nouwen teaches us that in the end, it is not the length of life that matters, but the quality of each moment, the intentionality with which we choose to live.

What is it, O seekers, that makes a day well-lived? It is not the accomplishments we tally, nor the material successes we achieve. A well-lived day is one in which we are fully present in our existence, embracing each moment with purpose, gratitude, and awareness. To live well is to live mindfully, to take nothing for granted, to cherish the small gifts that each day brings, whether they be moments of peace, connection with others, or even the solitude that allows us to reflect and grow. Nouwen’s truth, though simple, is a profound reminder that in our rush through life, we often forget that the quality of our days is far more important than the number of years we accumulate.

Consider, O children, the story of the Buddha, who, upon attaining enlightenment, realized that life is impermanent, and that suffering arises from our attachment to time. The Buddha’s teachings emphasize living in the present, letting go of worries about the future and regrets about the past. He understood that the key to freedom and peace lies in embracing each moment as it comes. The Buddha did not ask how many more years he would live, for he understood that true wisdom is found in the present, in fully inhabiting each breath and each action with awareness. He lived each day with mindfulness, knowing that in doing so, he was creating a life of depth and meaning, not bound by the fear of what may come or the longing for what has passed.

In contrast, consider the ancient Roman philosopher Seneca, who, in his letters, speaks of the importance of using our time wisely. Seneca too reflects on the brevity of life, and he urges us to not squander our days in the pursuit of trivial pleasures or meaningless distractions. He teaches that we are all given the same amount of time, but it is how we spend it that defines our lives. Seneca’s wisdom mirrors Nouwen’s in that he calls us to live each day with intention, to seek out the deeper meaning in our actions, and to understand that a well-lived life is not about its length, but its fullness. In Seneca’s eyes, a well-lived day is one in which we cultivate wisdom, virtue, and self-awareness, for these are the true markers of a meaningful existence.

Nouwen’s reflection, though simple, is a beacon of wisdom for us all. In our modern world, where we are often overwhelmed by the pressures of achievement, wealth, and success, it is easy to forget the simple truth that each day is a gift, and that how we live it is of utmost importance. The pursuit of success or longevity can sometimes overshadow the need to live meaningfully, to make each day count not by what we accumulate, but by how we choose to be present. Nouwen’s wisdom invites us to slow down, to pause in the midst of our busy lives, and to consider what it truly means to live well. It is not about waiting for the perfect moment, but about making the most of the moments we already have.

Thus, the lesson is clear, O children: do not squander the precious time that has been given to you. Live each day with intention, with awareness, and with gratitude. Take the time to be present with those you love, to nurture your soul, and to embrace the simple moments of life. Whether you face challenges or experience moments of joy, remember that it is the quality of your presence that matters most. Do not wait for the future to bring fulfillment, but find it in the here and now, in the everyday acts of living with purpose. A well-lived day is one that is filled with intention, with love, and with the awareness that every moment is fleeting and precious.

In your own lives, O children, be mindful of how you spend your time. Seek not the distractions that pull you away from the present, but instead, cultivate focus, awareness, and purpose. When you live with intention, when you recognize the value of each day, you will find that life is not a race to the finish, but a journey of meaning and growth. Live well, for in doing so, you will live fully, and your days will shine with the brilliance of a life well-lived.