Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Make Every Minute Count




The other day, I heard a rather sobering expression that made me really stop and think.

The person said, 

"When you say goodbye to a loved one today, say it with kindness. You never know if that will be the last time you'll ever see him or her."

Yikes, I thought, that's a kind of depressing statement.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realied how true it is.

Our time here on earth is so short. Some of us live longer than others. 

But we never know when we, or our loved ones, are going to be called home.

It could be a car accident, a heart attack, whatever, and we may not have any warning that it's going to happen.

So many times when I have said goodbye to my hubs, I gave it barely any thought. A peck on the lips and run out the door.

Today, however, I gave him a big hug and just took a few seconds out of my day to say a really heartfelt goodbye.  It felt good.

Then I prayed he'd live many more years.

 Like that expression said, we just never know...

p.s.  By the way, the figures shown at the top of this post were on a manilla envelope sent by Linda from the blog, Lady Linda. 

Isn't the design cute?

WHAT'S ONE KIND THING YOU CAN DO TODAY?
 
 



23 comments:

middle child said...

Good reminder.

Ruth Kelly said...

My kind deed was babysitting my grandkids for a few hours. Now that I have four, it can be quite an ordeal.

A Primitive Homestead said...

Those words are so true. Last July one evening I spoke with my son by phone while he was at work. We had a good conversation then said our good byes & I love you's I had no idea four hours later I would receive a call from my daughter screaming something happened to her brother. I arrived at a crash scene about 45 minutes later to receive the most life shattering news ever. My 17 year old son was killed in the crash. I am thankful our last words were loving. Life can be shorter than we ever expect. Blessings! Lara

Hindustanka said...

Right, Susan, we never know what happens tomorrow. There is a very good Russian song, may be I can translate few lines:
"Don't separate with your beloved ones,
don't separate with your beloved ones,
Become one with them with whole your flesh.
And every time You say Good bye forever,
And every time You say Good bye forever,
When you are leaving only for a moment".
It's a spontaneous translation, but the thought is the same..
Have a wonderful week with your beloved ones!

Unknown said...

Wise words and a good 'rule' to live by. We never know what's behind the corner, so enjoy and show your appreciation and love to your loved ones every day. My dad died in a car accident many years ago, and it all happened so sudden, and never got to tell him what I wanted to say....

Unknown said...

Hello from Spain, those words are very correct. We never know what Will happen in the future. Great refection. Keep in touch

Bookie said...

Never more aware of this than now as I age. Life is fragile and so few recognize that fact. One group of friends (we are FEARSOME FOUR)have not sat down together since December, so rare for us. Today we are meeting at fast food place for quick eats just to make contact in busy world...best we can do but not letting another day pass.

Suzan said...

Words to live by Susan!!
Every morning when I walk out to come to work, I tell my husband, "I love you!" Every time I talk to one of my daughters, my Mom or my Sister on the phone- I end it with "I love you!" When I email to any of the above - I end with "Ilove you!" My girlfriend's Mom passed and she hadn't told her I love you for ever and to this day, she mentions it and has a heavy heart!!
It isn't morbid or grusome -- it's reality!! Each day we're a day closer to our death and none of us are promised a tomorrow!! Live like today is your last and be sure to tell those you love how you feel!!

Rose said...

So very important to let a loved one know how much you care everyday.

Love the graphic above.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

One of our PE teachers who worked at the school for 10 years retired last year and went back to the States. He died of a heart attack last week. A gentleman who worked for 40 years at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario was honored last month at a retirement ceremony -- he died 2 weeks later. A friend yesterday told me of a lady at her church whose husband went to Dubai for a business trip and died there of a massive heart attack. And a friend's 93-year old father just passed away. All of them at different ages and stages of their lives. When death is so sudden, it really makes you realize that it can happen to any of us at any time. Very sobering indeed. Wishing you a wonderful day! Tammy

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

The design is really sweet and a wonderful image to keep in mine as we interact with one another.

The Old Parsonage said...

So true - we always kiss and say I love you to all of our family and friends.

Love you to my sweet friend!
Leann

Glenda said...

I also love the design in your post, and I totally agree that we need to make sure all is peaceful with those we love each moment. Each day I live, even days when I don't leave the apartment, I try to always give someone a real, heartfelt smile. Even on the telephone, you can "hear" a smile! Much of my interaction, also, is with my Facebook friends, and I always share some encouraging Scripture with them each morning. Many have told me that those verses have given them a hope for a better day, and that makes me feel quite worthwhile! I enjoy your posts each day as well, Susan, and hope you will have a blessed day! :-)

Terri Tiffany said...

So very true! I try to remember that as well when my husband goes out the door in the morning, We lost a brother-in-law a few years ago in a freak accident. Thankful we had always tried to see him when we came home to visit,

Susan said...

How true that is, Susan and sadly I know that life is short. Your post reminds us of that and the importance of cherishing what is right in front of us. XOXO

Chatty Crone said...

You know what you say is true Susan - the truth is we are all going to die - and sometimes I am surprised when people are surprised at death. It is not easy though. And I think that we ought to take care of our family and friends and love them because you are right - you never know. Love, sandie

diane.stetson said...

Today I can say a prayer for a family member who has to make a very important decision in his life. Prayer is a very kind way to remember people.

SImple and Serene Living said...

Very important reminder.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Always important to remember that Susan. One of my friends lost her Mother this morning but no regrets as she was there holding her at the end. I want all in my life to know I love them and try to make sure I tell them every day!
hugs, Linda

Nellie said...

Today I provided lunch for the adult daycare program at our church.

This post is a good reminder for us!

Linda O'Connell said...

What a lovely reminder, Susan. It only takes a minute to sincerely say goodbye.

Dee said...

I try to tell my loved ones and friends I love them as much as I can...like you said...you just never know when it could be the last time we see them. The nice thing I did today.....gave my grandson a back rub before he went to work. :)

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

So true, Susan. I've often said we should act as if today is our last day on earth, because one day it will be.

Sobering post for all of us. Thanks for the reminder.

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