SO MANY of our hopes and dreams remain unfulfilled. Composer Franz Schubert departed this world leaving behind his Unfinished Symphony.
Similarly, prolific writer Charles Dickens was unable to fully develop the plot of his novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
In more recent times, American actor James Dean died in a car accident before he could finish filming his part in the movie Giant. Amy Winehouse, Ryan Dunn and Michael Jackson, from the world of entertainment, would no doubt have left behind unfulfilled dreams. We also undoubtedly have aspirations that we will be unable to fulfil.
Some things we accomplish in life require intense commitment for a short time, and the result has lifelong value. Think, for instance, of people who earn a doctorate in their chosen field. Those diligent people set aside all other goals and dedicate their time, money, skills, and hard work for a period of time so they can achieve something that in 50 years will still be attached to their names. Temporary intense effort can result in a lifetime of honour and yet our lives can finish without fulfilling all we have dreamed of doing.
Recently, I was able to fulfil something on my "to do list" when we visited our daughter, Helen, and family in America. I was able to actually visit the site of the beautiful Statue of Liberty towering above New York harbour. That stately lady with freedom's torch held high has beckoned millions of people who were choking from the stifling air of tyranny or oppression.