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| Duomo di Milano Saints and Blooming Magnolias byTamara |
There
are triple doors to the Cathedral of Milan, and over each
door is an inscription. Over one is carved a beautiful wreath
of roses and underneath is the legend: “All that which pleases
is but for a moment.” Over another is a sculptured cross
and underneath are these words: “All that which troubles
is but for a moment.” And over the great central door are
the words: “That only is important which is eternal.”
Our lives pass us by whether we are paying attention or not. Oftentimes we can get caught up with the pursuit of happiness and all that pleases us. It could be as simple as reading a book or having a cup of tea. Or doing things that make us dig deep into our pockets such as having pricey dinners or going on expensive vacations. Pleasure. Or to go baser -- indulging in sinful pleasures such as having an affair or having one drink too many.
Then there are life's troubles which we cannot escape. Whatever happens to visit upon us. These, like the former have their own expiration dates...transitory as they are. The pleasures many times we regret ending, while our troubles we scarcely can wait for that which seems like a sentence passed to be served and to receive our release papers. I remember another Buddhist proverb that goes "All things pass. Everything does." My good friends and i (we, who have fought one battle too many) had our picture taken by the sign outside a Buddhist temple that carried this message in one of our out of town trips.
I must sear in my mind the central door's inscription which reminds me not to get too attached to those that are temporary but to that which has eternal value. Only these matter in the end.
