I've been pondering this message for a couple days--whether it made sense to send it or not. Maybe this won't connect with anyone, but maybe it will.
I've spent a lot of time with family over the past week: family that's sick or dying. Here's the rundown:
- 91 YO grandfather with end-stage CHF
- 87 YO grandmother with Alzheimers' disease
- 68 YO father who is in a nursing home, and had both legs removed because of diabetes
- Father-in-law of best friend (87 YO) who is having 4-way bypass and a valve replacement as I write.
I'm not writing because I'm looking for sympathy...but because seeing everyone has hammered home the message that life is too darned short to argue with people, and get bent out of shape when people don't do what I think they should. And the fact that tomorrow is the 2-yr. anniversary of 9/11 just puts the finishing touch on my feelings.
IMHO, the most important things in life are family, loving and being loved, and enjoying the gifts you've been given. I know we sometimes get divisive and backbiting in the wreck, but hey...we're an extended e-family here. And you all have families and friends in the real world, too...
So, my unsolicited advice...take the time tell someone you love them. Apologize (even if you're not wrong) if it'll help mend a broken relationship. Get in touch with God (if you believe) and talk to him like an old friend. Call someone you haven't called in a while. Approach work with the attitude that, while it pays the bills, it ain't the be-all/end-all. Spend more time celebrating your successes than fretting over your mistakes. And take some time to figure out what matters most in your life, and then do it--no matter the consequences (side note: "First Things First" by Hyrum Smith is helping me figure this out for myself). And most important...make a LOT of sawdust! (C:
That's just what I'm thinking right now. Hope it makes you think, too.
Jim