That, no doubt, is the work that each of us should spend a lifetime doing: rubbing the gold piece put in our hand at birth, so that it shines ten thousand times more brightly when death comes to steal it.
From The Eighth Day by Christian Bobin (French writer, born 1951)
This week (May 7th 2016) is the first time I have ever used three quotations from one writer in succession. But Christian Bobin’s writings have spoken to me in a rare way, and I think it is probably because I am tired and overworked and have been rather unwell in recent weeks. At times like that you seek distraction, of course, but you also find yourself in need of inspiration. I can look out of the window at the astonishing beauty of the blossom of course, but I also need and uplifting words from kindred spirits. If you meet these wonderful beings face-to-face, then how fortunate. But you can also find them within books, and that is how I ‘met’ Christian Bobin, as I explained in my last blog. He came as a gift indeed.
So now, continuing with last week’s theme, I want to look at this idea of the task. I talked before about the people who will help you (or not as the case may be) to fulfil your life’s purpose, and how as I get older I want more time to be quiet and think, and not necessarily to socialise. People can be lovely, but they have their limitations – as (Lord knows) I do. If you yourself the question, ‘What is my task in life?’ you could supply many answers: To be a good parent. To be as creative as I can. To be a decent citizen and try to help other people. To influence the children I teach, for the better. To practise and make the first team. And so on.
But those are very specific dreams, wishes, and ambitions – and if you think you have failed you can end up feeling sad and disappointed because life somehow hasn’t delivered. But what about Christian Bobin’s idea of the gold piece? Let me say that I chose these lines because they are uplifting, but here I need to kick a hole in them right away. Because some unfortunate people are NOT given a metaphorical gold piece at birth, so how can they shine? You can tell neglected children at a glance; their faces are shuttered off and you know they will turn into versions of their horrible parents. That is, if they survive. Uplifting words and thoughts are all very well, but they can be made a mockery of very easily, when we consider harsh reality.
That said, moving on, I think Bobin is right – and every ‘normal’ life should be seen as a precious gift. We know that it is possible to overcome the most appalling setbacks – from appalling parents to the kind of injuries men and women suffer in war, which still do not prevent them from training to take part in the Invictus Games.
Miraculous! By this token, the symbolic ‘gold piece’ is not necessary blessed good fortune, but the will to seize whatever opportunities you have, and make the most of them. This is surely what he means by the polishing. Doing your very best to go on creating your own precious life, and living it well – so that when you die the effects of all that spirit and love will inevitably create the most beautiful, lasting legacy.