Eternity
“God and Nature first made us what we are, and then out of our own created genius we make ourselves what we want to be. Follow always that great law. Let the sky and God be our limit and Eternity our measurement.” Marcus Garvey
Philosophy defines eternity as what exists outside of time.
This is distinguished from sempiternity which corresponds to infinite time. Some thinkers, such as Aristotle, suggested the eternity of the natural cosmos in regard to both past and future eternal duration.
Sir Thomas Aquinas believed that God’s eternity does not cease, as it is without either a beginning or an end; the concept of eternity is of divine simplicity, thus incapable of being defined or fully understood by humankind.
A long day, week or whatever amount of time to some may seem like an eternity.
It isn’t but since we have no concept of an eternity, we draw that conclusion. It was once said that 100 years to mankind is a second to God. To us 100 years is hard to conceive. Imagine in eternity it is only a blink of our eye.
As a Christian, I look forward to spending an eternity with my creator. I cannot imagine what it will be like, but I believe in what the bible says (“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”). I know that this current life is certainly not eternity. It is a prelude to that and only an expectation of what is to come.
There are many who believe as I do as well as many who do not. We were given free choice to decide for ourselves. I feel sad for those who believe that when this life is over it is over. That is a depressing way to go through life with no expectation once we die.
“Everything that has existed, lingers in the Eternity” — Agatha Christie
I have to admit, I think a lot about leaving this life.
I have been around for 71 years and have gotten quite accustomed to it. Eternity is an unknown to me. I have no experience with it and am looking forward to it purely based on my faith.
But from those who have “died” and come back to this life and world, not one has reported anything other than that it is beautiful. That is indeed my expectation along with being with those I love including my beloved pets who I believe are waiting patiently for me at the rainbow bridge. If not that would be my greatest disappointment as how could my creator leave them out of eternity?
“Everything that is not eternal is worthless in eternity”. CS Lewis
I hope that you feel the same as I do and see death in this life as just a beginning in your next. We are going somewhere after this life. Better it be with our Creator and the ones we love than any other alternative.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peter H. Christian was a founding partner and president of espi, a business consulting firm in Northeastern PA. Previously he was an Executive at Crayola Corporation. He has worked with 300+ clients in business development, profit improvement, operations, IS selection and implementation, and Project Management. He has 40+ years of experience in strategic and facility planning, CI, lean, and supply chain. He has helped companies to realize millions of dollars in cost reductions and profit improvements adding and retaining thousands of jobs. He has authored the Amazon bestselling business books, “What About the Vermin Problem?” and “Influences and Influencers” (4 out of 4 star review on Online Bookclub) and is published in a variety of professional magazines. He is most appreciative of Dr. Rodney Ridley and Donald Schalk of the O’Pake Institute, Alvernia University for their support in allowing him to teach this important course
