What ' s Important

Like many of you despite my best intentions, I stressed over Thanksgiving and having 20 people over my house.  I obsessed  over the amount of baking, chopping, cooking and cleaning that the holiday entails. About an hour before our guests arrived, my husband and I were fussing at each other in the kitchen. Neither of us portrayed a shining example of a Christian.   Thank goodness, the weather was mild and the girls were playing on their swing set. All went well as it always does, and we enjoyed our family and the day. Today, we pulled down all  the Christmas boxes from the attic, decorated the tree, put up the outside lights, and took our girls with their cousin to see the Garden of Lights tour local botanical gardens. Another fun, but hectic day.  While I was putting our youngest daughter to bed, my husband got the call. His brother Knight, a beloved friend died of a massive heart attack.  He was an active, fun-loving, generous man, not much older than my husband. When my husband told me the news, we looked at each other, and a thought flashed through both of our minds, it could have been him. Be prepared, and focus on what's important. "But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone..."(Matthew 24:36) Please pray for the soul of our departed friend, and family, especially his beloved wife.

Comments

[Tracie]

Thanks for sharing all of that Mary! We lost a dear friend this week too! Cancer was the villain this time! It surely makes us appreciate what we have from day to day!

[Kyooty]

I'm sure it was a full day, I think we all have moments like this, and it's hard to remember to take the time.. time to BE!

[Sharon O]

Mary,
this is indeed a wake up call. We had a young mom this week at our church who lost her husband he was at Standford medical hospital in California waiting for a heart transplant, went into liver failure and died the day before Thanksgiving. A season to be thankful? He loved the Lord, was saved and now is in the presence of Jesus. But she is alone and with two little boys, ages 4 and 8. She had to fly home alone with the boys. She has to make all the final arrangements. Her life changed in an instant.
Why does it happen? Because is does. Life and death happens. There is no good time, and no pefect time. It happens. We love deeply then we let go.
We are sad, we grieve, we learn that every day should be so precious... for this might be the week 'one of us' is gone. It is a lesson learned from matters of our heart.
Take care. I will be thinking of you and praying.
We don't live in fear but we do live with the knowledge that life is short and can end quickly. It can change in the moment of time.
I am sorry for your friend. It is hard. Please take care.

[Carmen]

Oh,Mary, I'm sorry. Do I know him?

[stephanie]

It is OK to be human. Remember...Jesus was the only perfect One. I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Make every day precious. Be thankful that you are all together. When Rich is home, I try to make everyday with him special. Life is full of unexpected things. You never know what is around the corner so enjoy each take and take the bumps as they come. I love you! I miss fussing with you in the kitchen! Do you still leave water in the sponge????

[Bozena]

I'm very sorry Mary. Sending my prayers.
Thanks for a reminder what is really important in our lives.

[Bridget]

So sorry to hear...praying for you all.

[Mary @ a simple twist of faith]

Every time...

[Lisa M]

Mary,
Thank you for the reminder to consider each moment as your last. It is so true. Thank you Jesus for good friends who can lift us up when those unexpected times come into our lives !! Thank you Mary and Rick for being such good friends! We pray blessings on you and your dear sweet girls every day. Love you all.
Lisa M

[Mary @ a simple twist of faith]

Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and kind words.

[Geri]

Mary,
None of us know how long we have. You know that only too well. But thankfully, you have your belief in God and the love of your family and friends. Fussing is part of the deal, along with doubts, joy, sadness, happiness, and all the bumps and bruises as well as smiles and laughter life gives us. All we can do is take one breath and one moment at a time and do what we can for those who have suffered a loss.
You are in our prayers, along with your friend's family.
G