Life Lessons from Morrie
The subject of death in society today is no longer as taboo as it was in the past. However, it is still an uncomfortable subject for most. The topic, should it arise in conversation, is usually kept brief and the subject is often changed as soon as possible. When being informed of a death, we tend to give the perfunctory responses such as, “I am so sorry for your loss, if there is anything I can do to help let me know,” or “I will keep you and your family in my prayers,” then push the thoughts of death out of our minds.
As people live their lives, most go about living without ever considering how death will impact them. Never wondering when their time on earth may end or the time a loved one has left, most never learn how to deal with death until in enters their lives. In the book Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom, Morrie, the teacher, and Mitch, the student, spend Morrie’s last weeks here on earth studying life’s lessons and the importance of accepting death .
Morrie lessons focus around certain ideas about how to give and receive love, the importance of family and relationships, and the importance of forgiveness of one’s self and others for their short comings.
The most important lesson Morrie taught was on how to give and receive love, not just the knowledge of being loved, but truly feeling that love. Allowing it to wash over one’s self and reveling in the feelings that loving can create. Many people in today’s world believe they do not deserve love; therefore, they do not give love or let love be given to them (Albom 1997). Without love, relationships cannot be formed or maintained, leaving many feeling lonely and unsatisfied with their lives. In today’s society the term love is used so loosely, we say we love our spouses, parents, siblings, children or close friends, but do we really put the compassion needed into these relationships to express and receive true love? Unfortunately, the answer is often times, no....