If we had the choice to be who we want to be, and to do what we want to do, what would be our choice.
Certainly, we would want to have a free and easy life, no stress, be healthy and maybe even wealthy.
But whatever we wish or dream about would be quite unlikely to be a reality.
The reality in life would be challenges and difficulties.
In the 1st reading, St. Paul reflected on life and it was not about what or how he wished his life had turned out.
Rather he was looking at what is in the present and what is ahead.
As much as he wants to be gone and be united with Christ, but he also knew that his life is a more urgent need in the service of Christ for the Christian community.
St. Paul teaches us to surrender our lives in humility to Christ so that we will be happy and be at peace.
May we humbly accept the reality of life, which is the reality of the Cross, and we will live life happily.