life is so precious
The news headlines from the past few days here in St. Paul/ Minneapolis: a couple from a suburb of St. Paul took a cruise after 50 years of marriage, the first one ever. They had six children they provided for and finally now it was their turn. Active in their church for many years, they had quite a few folks who were happy they were living a dream come true. Unfortunately, the cruise ship overturned off an Italian coast and they perished in the accident.
In other news, a 61 year old woman and her parents were randomly killed in their own home for no reason and no suspect has been found. This happened in just a few minutes and was discovered by a woman who had just dropped off her child for daycare at this woman's house. Seeing a suspicious person lurking nearby, she went back to check on things and noticed the bodies. The woman and her parents were active in church and were considered a pillar of society.
And then in my own corner of the world, the issues that have crept up in my happy home with adult children who should behave, who should know better and instead have allowed selfish attitudes to creep in and take over their minds and actions just floor me. I have repeatedly told them, "life is too short to hold grudges!" The following examples are reasons why we never take life for granted because we have no idea when it will be taken away. Two families, both had friends, activities and family who were cared for by them as well as cared for them...and now...gone.
We can't predict what will happen even moments from now. Despite our best laid plans, the unexpected always happens. There are some who make sure to throw that monkey wrench in the mix. There are others who selfishly take away a promising future with no thought of the catastrophe they have just left in their wake. How about if, for once, we look to our family, our friends, our neighbors and complete strangers...I mean...REALLY look at them and treat them as we want to be treated!!!
It's all about RESPECT!
You don't like gossip, backstabbing or rumors spread about you, well, neither do I. Put yourselves in their place: what if THEY were YOU??? and YOU--THEY??? How would you feel? Alone? Scared? In need of comfort? Wanting security of knowing that you are loved? Sure, these are all desires given to us since birth! Age doesn't remove that need.Reach out today. If you have to, mend those relationships...and I mean NOW! Don't wait to cry at the funeral because, if it were me, I don't want nor do I need your tears! The time to to that is when I am here to be able to hug you in return!
I have often read your blogs and thought that you seem to repeat yourself. Then I realized that Jesus often used the same points to hit a subject on the head. It is refreshing to hear of your own life stories, because it shows that you are just like us, with our own miseries and joys as well. So keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteI always look back on my life and ask, "what if?" Instead of this, what if that?" Regrets are something we all have, but if we think twice and act once, it makes a huge difference. As far as differences in family goes, family is supposed to be a place of refuge, yet there are so many who are broken due to the stupidest things. Your blog yesterday proves that. Mad because you remarried? Come on, grow up!!! Adult kids of any age need to realize the world stopped revolving around them when they turned 18. They are legally able to do what they want to. It is ok to agree to disagree, provided it is done with respect. "You know, dad, I don't really care for the person you married, but because you love her, I will do my best to see what you see in her." And leave it at that.
ReplyDeletecan I say something here??? GRRRRR......as we go through life, we are "supposed" to reach a level of maturity. Temper tantrums are "supposed" to be a thing of the past. Yeah we all have our good and bad days but overall, we are "supposed" to be better than a six year old. yet there are folks who for reasons of their own selfishness decide that if life is miserable for them, its gonna be hell for everyone else! I have been in enough situations where I was a victim on th eoutside looking in. However, I am an adult now so why inflict that shit on others? It is the past--done--OVER!!! I want to see others happy, if only because I was so unhappy for so long due to things beyond my control. If someone I loved is so happy with their choices and decisions, then (and this is the important part, ya taking notes???) why would I do ANYTHING to make them miserable??? Maybe I could also derive enjoyment from their happiness! Does this make sense? Life is indeed too short for shit, so make t good while you're here cause you only get one chance at it!
ReplyDelete"Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement. To get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; everything is incredible; never treat life casually..." taken from a Facebook posting, but I thought it was appropriate here too. So if those stepkids...or anyone for that matter, wants to point fingers and sneer at someone for being "less than" perfect, what they are doing is also...OMG!!! less than perfect as well! as it was said...GROW UP!!!
ReplyDeleteGood day to you Rev Baum!!! I have read the past few days' blogs with interest. The comments are surprising,yet not so surprising. What we are heading into is a "ME" only generation. Parents raised these kids during the Clinton years when plenty was the norm. They are so spoiled now and manners??? Forget about those, right? yet if they are to survive in this world, its going to take some major manners, respect as well as compassion for others. Grown up children do NOT run the lives of their parents, I don't care if those parents are divorced or NOT! So many parents play good cop bad cop, using the kids as pawns. The innocent suffer and the perpetrators feel vindicated. They don't realize they have just destroyed relationships, sometimes for ever. Rev...you are doing your part. And to all who are in this boat...stay strong and focused. Karma always bites...and unfortunately many don't realize what they have until its gone. Hang in there. May peace be with you all.
ReplyDeletebut in fact you really DON'T! so maybe you should just go hide somewhere and leave the rest of us alone, live your life as we live ours. Maybe there were issues that you have no idea about. You're just guessing. You need all the facts before you say who is right or wrong. Maybe the adult kids have it right...and you just can't admit it. you want a perfect world...well, what have YOU done to make it that way? Seems to me you just stir that pot of crap...let it be, let it go. Live your life.
ReplyDeleteI wish to reply!!
DeleteSome childeren, who are given what they want, when they want it, turn out to be self centered assfaces, such as mine do, sorry, and ashamed, to say, but one day, when their parents are gone, and they sit and wonder what their lives were like, they shall cry. You think you know everything, you little thankless bitch, you remeber next month when I die, the crap I had to die with because of you.
Thanks to everyone else, though. Sorry for the confussion.
Thank You Rev. Kory. Sorrry for the attitude!
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