THE END DETERMINES THE MEANS

A few months ago, I read - sorry, can't remember where - that "the end justifies the means" is incorrectly phrased.  The correct wording, per the source, should be "the end determines the means," casting a way different meaning over the adage.

Recently, have been thinking about all the ways that OUR end should determine the means by which we live it.  My life has been more haphazard, free-style experiencing, rather than keeping my eye on the end & living from that awareness.  Being physically active hasn't been part of my life, nor has being financially wise.  Being aware of my end has, until fairly recently, been woefully weak-willed, something to put waaaay to the back of my mind.

Fred & Greta help shake things up a bit.  What joy, watching them arrive at church on their bikes. In their early 80s & still cycling!  According to their family, the two of them made the conscious decision back in their 40s to pro-actively develop healthy living habits.  Made me think of an elder who, in her later middle age, committed to a yoga practice so she could get down on the floor & play with her grandkids when she hit her older years. In her 80s, she does!  Each of these three elders exemplify "living with the end in mind," an end that determines the means by which they live.

Perhaps no one has expressed the importance of the end determining the means than Erin
Tierney Kramp.  As described on OPRAH, "Erin and her husband Doug were happily married, raising their daughter, Peyton, when out of the blue, Erin was diagnosed with breast cancer. Afraid that Peyton would have to grow up without her, she began working on a legacy of love, recording hours and hours of motherly advice for her only daughter. The videotapes covered everything from how to choose makeup ("Try to find makeup that looks natural, like you're not wearing any") to how to choose a husband ("Pick a very nice guy who has a backbone"). In the midst of grueling treatments, Erin also found the strength to write letters and prepare gifts for Peyton to open every Christmas and birthday after she was gone. ~  Erin also left a special wish for Doug: She hoped he would marry again.  In 2005,  Doug and 13-year-old Peyton visited Oprah's stage and brought a very special person with them—Peyton's stepmother Cheryl, who was expecting her second baby with Doug.

Three older friends & one remarkable young woman I never met - each touched my life, each helped wake me up to the importance of living with the end in mind, of always remembering that the end determines the means - so I better live as if I mean it. 

I like to think it's what Machiavelli would have wanted.