Once in a while, something happens to get us thinking about life and death and hope. That’s probably a good thing. -Deep thoughts by Sue
I went to a funeral today. A 57 year old neighbor passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack. She was a wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, sister, friend, employee, and so much more.
When someone significantly younger passes away, it opens your eyes. We all live in denial of our own mortality, but the only certainty is we will die. We just don’t know when. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow.
Knowing that, what really is important? Family is at the top of the list. And with family, I can’t help but think about the world I’m leaving my children and grandchildren. A country divided. A planet ruined by trash and pollution. I’d like to think we can somehow change that.
We all want what’s best for our kids and grandkids, we simply have different ideas about achieving that. I do know mean-spirited name-calling and horribly adolescent behavior by celebrities in public forums isn’t helping make this a better country. How can we wonder why bullying in schools is a problem, when the news is full of this kind of behavior? News reporting with obvious bias that encourages division and anger isn’t helping. I believe deep down most people are good, and are capable of working with, and dare I say, liking people who disagree with them politically. Hate for the opposite party isn’t serving anyone.
At the end of the day (or your life) it’s people and relationships that matter. Make your peace with that family member that you’re experiencing tension with. Forgive who needs forgiving, and ask for forgiveness if appropriate. Go to church and pray, really pray. There’s power in prayer, and because of that, I have hope for the future and the world we leave our children.
If you knew you had only days left to live, what would you do? What would be important? Think about it. It’s a matter of life and death and hope.
