Friday, July 24, 2009

Tell Your Family You Love Them

Sometimes things happen that make you stop in your tracks for a minute and ponder the things in your life. For me it all happened this week.

We've been kind of on a whirlwind at home the last many weeks what with Lynne' moving back home, going on vacation, Brooklyn's birthday, family reunion fun this weekend, etc. I've started to notice some dissatisfaction in my thinking, particularly in my house. Not the house itself, but the things I've been wanting to do with it.

Then a few days ago a very dear blogger friend posted that she wouldn't be around much as her son had been tragically killed in a car accident. The three of us at home have talked about this and prayed for her family. The natural order of life is that you should never have to bury your children.

Last night after doing the dishes I went to lay on the bed for a few minutes and Lynne' came in to chat with me. We talked about the state of the nation, healthcare, etc. Then we started talking about things that needed to be done around the house in preparation for family coming to town and Brooklyn staying this weekend with us. We laughed about how much organizing I need to do. I told Lynne' that I never want my tombstone to read "she had a clean house", but rather I would like to be remembered as always being there for my family.

This morning before work we actually chatted about it again. Lynne' agreed wholeheartedly that she'd much rather have a mom that enjoyed life and being with her than to be overly concerned with the house.

I went to Debby's blog and saw that she had posted about her son's funeral being tomorrow. He's a very handsome young man and again my heart aches for her. Her closing statement was:

"If you have kids, dishes can wait, hobbies can wait, sleep can wait. If they call, if come over, that's all that matters at that moment."
My grandmother always said "It's not odd, it's God". Really there is no such thing as a coincidence. I called Lynne' at work to read Debby's words to her and she said "You know mom, that is so true. We never really know how much time we have with anybody".

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." Ecclesiastes 3:1-4


Now by no means am I advocating that we never clean the house, but the events of this week have shown me clearly that there are things way more important. I am hoping to always have my family and friends around and that they will be more of a focus than what my house looks like. Our time together is short on this earth and we should enjoy each other to the fullest.

AMEN!

8 comments:

Linda said...

What a wonderful post. There is such wisdom in this. The truly important things in life are the people who populate it. Time with our loved ones is far more important that a perfectly cleaned home.
I am so sorry for the family who lost their son. It is just heartbreaking.

Le Bleu Bonnet Boutique said...

I am very sorry to hear about your friends son. My heart hurts for her as well. After spending a few days at the hospital with Shelley, I am so there with you. It really makes you be thankful for your health and happiness after you sit and listen to each persons tradgedy. There was a family whom lost their dad in a motorcycle accident, family whos dad had a gunshot and paralized, a 66 year old man who was in a 3 person truck accident where he was a passenger and recieved the worst damage. His poor wife had been there for a week already and not sure when she was going home. When Ron woke from his surgery, Shelley and I were so thankful. Especially when he recognized her and said he loved her. That poor girl just did not know what to expect. We were lucky to only be there in ICU waiting room for 1 night. It felt bad to up and leave the poor lady that was there a week. I wanted to stay with her. Anyway, it does make you want to focus more on those around you that are special in your life. I thank God for allowing me to be at the hospital to see these things. It really does make you think more about what ane who matters in life and not to sweat the small stuff for sure. Always learning through life experiences!!! I am thankful for that too!!!

Suzanne said...

So sorry to hear about your friends son. I had a very similar week...a beloved man (56) died during Sunday School last week teaching 3rd/4th graders...we all learned something. His life was a true testimony!! Thanks for a beautiful reminder!
Suzanne

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

Sorry to hear about your friend's son getting killed.....

Great post....food for thought.

~Beth

Denise said...

This is such a sweet post and a wonderful reminder that our families are so precious and should never be taken for granted. I am so sad for your friend's loss too.

Hugs
Denise

Stillmary said...

Thanks for the very important reminder. I am so very sorry for your friend. I pray she has the faith that will get her through this tragedy. I can think of nothing worse happening to anybody.

valerie said...

I'm so sorry about Debby's son. I cannot even imagine losing a child. I am praying for her right now. Bless her heart and give her peace that passeth understanding during this tragedy.

Thanks for the reminder of taking time for what's important.

Marg said...

Death always brings us to our knees. We think about our creator and we are humbled by how he chooses to give life and take it away.
It's so sad to see your friend go through this.
Would you be able to share her link? Or perhaps it is confidential.
Anyways thanks for encouraging us to love our families....I need that everyday.