Today is my nephew Roman's first day of kindergarten. I called this morning to wish him a great first day. It's hard for me to believe that my little Ro-Ro has grown up. And as much as I've teased Shelley - I think she's cried at every milestone in Roman's 5 year life - I had to blink back tears this morning.
Lately, I've been thinking about the circle of life - birth, death, and all of the changes in between.
Close friends Bonnie and Audrey have both had babies relatively recently. They've experienced the joys and aches of motherhood -- something I long for but am patiently waiting for. Another friend is experiences the heartache of infertility and is currently going through IVF.
My close friend Sarah is halfway across the world in Ansbach, Germany -- an exciting time, but also scary. I know that communication is much easier these days than when my grandparents were missionaries in Guatemala -- cell phones, text messaging, email, even video over the computer. Yet I know there will be days that she is homesick, days that she wishes she could be at home for birthday parties, family dinners, and girls night out.
My Uncle Bryan was recently diagnosed with cancer in several of his lymph nodes - indicating not long left for him here on earth. I made a trip to East Texas this weekend - wanting to spend some time with him before the Lord take him home. Although he has declined treatment through chemotherapy, he did purchase a light machine that is supposed to "kill" the cancer. To me, this idea seems ludicrous. But it's something that he's excited for - placing his hope in. So to me it makes me think that maybe he is not ready to die-?It's amazing how quickly we speed through life and wonder if I really take the time for the things that matter.
Does my husband know how important he is to me? Do I show it with my actions?
Do I take the time to make the people around me feel loved?
Does my aunt Chris know how much I respect what she's done with my autistic cousin, Trey?
Do my parents know how much I love them?
Do my niece and nephew know that I think about them each day?
Do I encourage people around me like I should?
Do my friends know how special they are to me?
Do I pray for people like I should?
Do non-christians get an idea of God's love through the way I treat them?
I remember in high school - my dad would tell me to "slow down" and take care of responsibilities. I think that I need to make the above questions into responsibilites - something I am conscious of - not just hope that they happen.
Does my husband know how important he is to me? Do I show it with my actions?
Do I take the time to make the people around me feel loved?
Does my aunt Chris know how much I respect what she's done with my autistic cousin, Trey?
Do my parents know how much I love them?
Do my niece and nephew know that I think about them each day?
Do I encourage people around me like I should?
Do my friends know how special they are to me?
Do I pray for people like I should?
Do non-christians get an idea of God's love through the way I treat them?
I remember in high school - my dad would tell me to "slow down" and take care of responsibilities. I think that I need to make the above questions into responsibilites - something I am conscious of - not just hope that they happen.
God chose to take my friend Curtis home on October 23, 2004 in an airplace crash. Curtis had a t-shirt that said "Life is short... fly hard" and he lived his life by that motto - I know that Curtis touched everyone he met. And I want to do the same.
I know that I don't have a guarantee for tomorrow. I'd like to think that I have a full life ahead of me - but cannot know for sure. So instead - I want to make a point to make each day count.
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1
1 comment:
I love you Charity!
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