What Life Are You Living?

This past week I had an interesting coffee conversation with a friend about "what kind of a lives" we were living. Especially in these times of economic stress it's quite common for people to re-examine their lives and think carefully about their priorities, so this conversation was both timely and apropos. We both shared highlights of our current life events including our careers, relationships, special "projects" or interests, and also our hopes and dreams for the future--a good time to pause and ponder, something I truly enjoy doing as much as possible!

When I returned to my desk I saw something that perfectly complimented our conversation. It was a small article from a newspaper written by an 85-year old woman about how she was reflecting on her life with a bit of remorse at the things she'd wish she'd done if she could live her life over--a letter to prompt its reader about the importance of opportunity and appreciation. Somehow I'd kept this clipping for many years and each time I found myself in a new job or new office, this piece of paper managed to make the journey along with me. I usually ended up hanging it somewhere within plain view so I could be reminded to focus on what's important when I'd lost focus.

This week I'd like to share that small, yet powerful, letter with you. May you also be reminded to take the opportunity and say, do, and experience what truly makes you happy.

Peace.

The Ambassador of Goodwill

If I Had My Life to Live Over

I'd like to make more mistakes next time.
I'd relax. I would limber up. I would be sillier
than I had been this trip. I would take fewer
things seriously. I would take more chances. I
would climb more mountains and swim more
rivers. I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
I would perhaps have more actual troubles, but
I'd have fewer imaginary ones.

You see, I'm one of those people who live sensibly
and sanely hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I've
had my moments, and if I had it to do over again,
I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have
nothing else. Just moments, one after another,
instead of living so many years ahead of each day.
I've been one of those persons who never goes
anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water
bottle, a raincoat, and a parachute. If I had to
do it again, I would travel lighter than I have.

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot
earlier in the spring and stay that way later in
the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride
more merry-go-rounds, I would pick more daisies.

Nadine Stair
85-years old
Louisville, Kentucky

Relax

Reason, Season or Lifetime?

I wanted to take a moment this week and quote one of my favorite passages about relationships written by Brian A. "Drew" Chalker. Every time I read it I remember how important it is to honor the purpose of our relationships—not only when they begin, but when they end as well. May you find purpose in each and every one of your relationships and value them as a necessary component along your journey!

Peace.

**************************************************

People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

When someone is in your life for a reason, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem to be like a gift, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. And, when their reason is done, they will leave your life just as quickly as they entered into it.

Without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand; sometimes they just stop calling; sometimes they move away; sometimes they die. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, our lesson learned. Therefore, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a season, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, a purpose-filled relationship, or make you laugh. They may teach you things you have never known, but things you will never forget. They usually bring you an unbelievable abundance of joy. Believe it! They are real; but only for a season. Their season may be weeks; months; maybe even years; but when their season is complete, they, too, will leave your life. Sometimes only for the time being; sometimes forever. Bless the relationship; appreciate the season; love the purpose.

Lifetime relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation so that your life may continue to move forward. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. When people enter your life for a lifetime, they are there in good times and bad; they share in your joy and sadness; their love for you is unending. Your connection to them is permanent, and your relationship is unique. Lifetime relationships last a lifetime! This lifetime and often many more; past, present, future; time knows no boundaries in lifetime relationships. They are sacred; holy ground. Treat them with the most respect that comes from the very fiber of your being; for lifetime relationships define your existence.