In the 1994 movie The Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne dreams of a life in Mexico. “Do you know what the Mexicans say about the Pacific?” he asks his friend Red. “They say it has no memory. That’s where I want to live the rest of my life – a place that’s warm with no memories.” Red says, “I don’t think I could make it on the outside, Andy. I’ve been in here most of my life.” He ends with this phrase: “It comes down to a simple choice, get busy living or get busy dying.”

As the fleeting years and circumstances pass by, we sometimes forget how short and precious life is. Then something awakens us to the opportunity to reexamine our lives. Unfortunately, it is often a sobering event like death, financial loss, illness, unemployment, the end of a relationship, or a world tragedy.
We just started the second half of the season of Lent. Let’s seize the opportunity to get busy living. There is no “quick fix” button in life, but we can progress from where we are to where God wants us to be. Life is meant to be a celebration, even in Lenten time. How are you doing with your Lenten resolutions? How about your Corporal Works of Mercy, your fast, prayer and almsgiving? Don’t give up! With God’s help you can make it and the results will come. Be patient. Exercise wisdom by embracing every day as the treasure it is. You still have a choice – get busy living for Jesus!