It is quite true what philosophy says, that life must be understood backward. But then one forgets the other principle, that it must be lived forward.
This life has been given for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits – St Isaac
This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits.
Do everything seeking the mercy of God and you will find reassurance – Archimandrite Vasileios
When you build in order to build, you are enlarging your tomb. When you write in order to write, you are weaving your shroud. But when you live and breathe seeking always the mercy of God, then an incorruptible garment is woven around you, and you find the sweetness of a heavenly reassurance welling up within you.