This morning I recieved a phone call from my wife while she was on her way to a meeting. she had just gotten off the phone with her friend that is on the Board of Directors for the charter school my kids attend. Apparently on Friday (today is Monday) a third grade student went home at the end of school not feeling well. The parents thought it was the Flu, and were horified later Friday to have their child die of a heart attack! This is one of the worst things a parent could ever imagine, and yet it is a reminder of how fragile life really is. We have no control over the things in life that can cause pain and suffering. We try, with excercise, eating right, saftey, to keep bad stuff away, but it can change in an instant. Are we living our lives in fear of these things, or are we living our lives in spite of these things? Living in fear means worrying about every little thing and trying to take extraordinary precautions against them. Bad things happen regardless of our planning and attempting to keep them away. Living in spite of them means we are thankful for the days that are good; we stand firm in the days that are not good; and we do not let fear keep us from reaching into our selves and being the best people we can be.
Surround yourself with people that can help you live in spite of all the bad things that can happen. No one expects you to do life on your own. We were created for community, friends, relationships, not for isolation and lonliness. Find people you can share your heart with. Find friends you can be yourself with. Celebrating ups in life and dealing with pain and hurt is not meant to be done alone. Hold on to your friendships, your family and your faith. These are the only things that will last, as life can change in the blink of an eye.
Wow! A heart attack in third grade? I’m going to have to head home and give all of my kids a special hug after reading this.
wow thats kinda scary. i thought i would see when u started your blog.