Capturing Blue Skies

By: Anwar

First, let’s just acknowledge the fact that 1 year ago today, Esraa and I started this blog. HAPPY ONE YEAR!

This brings me to my point today:

Just take a second to live life in the present. We live in such times that force us to focus on things that our societal pressures trick us into thinking are important. As our nature is to dwell on the past or to plan and plan for the future, we forget about the moments that we live in, THE NOW. It’s been a while since I posted. Not to state the obvious, but I’m disappointed in myself. I come up with ideas to write about on the spot and often think, “I’ll save that thought for later.” Question is, WHY!? I was recently reminded by a friend (I bet you can guess which one) to even simply write about the “blue sky!” And why not? As we live in these moments, we’re too busy trying to capture the perfect shot for social media rather than enjoy, and I mean physically enjoy the moment. Within the last several months, I’ve certainly been tested, and as much as I try and plan and set a path for myself, I am constantly reminded that God is the greatest of all planners. Whether it’s planning out my hour, day, week, month, or year, understand that what comes your way is meant for you. It may mean sacrifice, but know that it’s what God has written for you, so you must trust this path. I write this at a time where the future is un-telling for me. I know where I want to go, what I want to do, and what I want to control, but truth is, it all falls into His hands. Point blank. I think we’ve all been there. At the end of the day, we decide how to spend our time. Therefore, invest it in the moments with your loved ones, family, and friends. Take a few moments to really understand what is important. As we enter these last 10 blessed days of the holiest month of the Islamic year, think of those that were with us at this time last year, and have departed this earth since then. I mean, LIFE FLIES BY. We are often tested, and as you look upon the situations of others and think, “boy that could never happen to me”, you could very well be the one playing in that role next. I reflect upon the beautiful soul of Brother Ali Banat, who recently departed this world to meet his creator. Although he was across the world in Australia, I yearned to meet him one day. As a man who was told he had just a short few months to live, Ali lived a solid 3 years after his diagnosis. Really a blessing for us all so we are able to reflect and carry out what he has established. One of the wealthiest beings I know of, who called his illness of cancer a gift because it made him realize that life isn’t about material or flaunting your wealth, it’s about what legacy you leave behind and what you do in this life that will pave your way in the next. Generously giving away all of his prized possessions from luxurious cars and clothing, and jewelry and accessories, Ali used his wealth to build villages comprising of hospitals, orphanages, and mosques in third world countries, places we don’t think twice about, while battling his cancer. In and out of the hospital, injecting himself with morphine in order to fly to Africa to put a smile on peoples faces. Look at the legacy he left behind. I reflect upon this because Ali would often remind us of the beauties of what paths we lay out for ourselves. For the last 3 years, I would pray that Allah (God), keep Ali alive so he can continue to set an example for generations to come. Leaving us at such a young age, Ali has still opened visionary doors to the world in order for us understand what’s important in life. Ali did ALL OF THIS, and still he shares that he wishes he could have or should have done more. What can I say? I don’t have millions to give away, but I am grateful for my good health, and in every breathe I have an opportunity to praise the Lord. I don’t do it enough. Therefore, be grateful for your experiences, your health, the people in your life, and the course of life that God has blessed and placed you on. He for one, paves the way. We just have to be prepared to make it our own, and establish it. Life is short, and it flashes by in an instant. Don’t be afraid to stop and smell the roses, as they say, or take a moment to capture God’s creation, even if it’s just the blue skies, for you never know when you can be chosen.

Peace and Blessings my friends. I know it’s been A WHILE, but pray for more consistency. Writing is a lost art of expression. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of such a simple blessing.

If you’d like to donate to Ali Banat’s ongoing foundation please visit https://matwproject.org 🙂