Dear Friend,

This has been a week of loss for so many.  I’ve heard sad news, bad news, scary news from so many corners of the world in the last seven days, it’s hard to keep up. I feel like I’ve been in a perpetual state of prayer and worry. The other day I needed a humor break and I ran across this little gem from one of my favorite writers, Erma Bombeck.  It was a good reminder to me that, whatever the calamity, life goes on. The sun marches forward,  horizon to horizon, undisturbed by trials and tribulations. And we have a choice–TODAY–to prioritize whatever time we have left.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.” There would have been more “I love you’s”  More “I’m sorry’s.”
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it … live it and never give it back.
Don’t worry about who doesn’t like you, who has more, or who’s doing what. Instead, let’s cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Yes, it may be a bit schmaltzy. But I need a reminder from time to time to stop. Just stop. Be in the moment, the right now. Be with the ones you love. Put away the electronics. Put away the worries. Put away the distractions. And just Be.