What's most important in life to you? Often people devote much time to accumulating things. Magazines and advertising fill us with a longing to buy this product and then I'll feel ____. You can fill in the blank.
I love this plaque. It focuses on how the important things in life are not ...things.
Faith, family, friends
I've been engrossed the last weeks in my journals. I'm thankful that I discovered them in a box during our latest move. The lessons I learned, the prayers I now see were actually answered, the people I love and care about, the friends who hung with me through thick and thin.
People are much more important than things.
We will all leave this earth one day and guess what? You can't take anything with you! I wonder how many people will regret not spending enough quality time with the people who mean the most to them.
I think of the Griffin family. Yesterday they invited me to their home for lunch. I first met the Griffins about 19 years ago. Their son Mike was a patient in our Cardiology practice. He suffered from cardiomyopathy, a disease where the heart muscle is weakened which makes it difficult to pump blood and oxygen to the rest of the body. I came to know this family through the difficult times as Mikey died at the young age of 28. That was almost 17 years ago but we've continued to maintain a beautiful friendship.
Sue and her sister Barbara have seen me through some very trying times too. Their prayers, love and friendship have encouraged me.
I've had the pleasure of many Christmas luncheons with Jim, Barb and Sue over the years. Yesterday as I stepped into their lovely home I immediately remembered Mikey when I stepped on the Christmas decoration that shouted "Ho, ho, ho". He loved Christmas and decorated with lots of fun stuffed Santa Clauses. There were decorations on their tree with reminders of Mike. Even though it's been years since he's been gone, we can now laugh and reminisce about the good memories.
Yesterday I asked a question on Heart Choices.
What would be your biggest regret if this was the last day of your life?
You can read more about it here in case you missed it. Many of you responded with comments and I appreciate that. If you didn't have the opportunity to respond, it's not too late. :)
Today I want to ask you another question.
Do you keep in touch with the people who matter to you?
Relationships can be challenging. Not all families get along well. Holidays can certainly bring that out. But there may be people in your life that you love and care about. Do you keep in touch? If you found out you were going to die, who would you want to spend time with before that day? Is there someone you may need to call or get in touch with?
Blessings and love,
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[name=DEBBIE PETRAS]
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I had the great opportunity to spend some time with my mother, sister, and niece this year. Although it was a very long trip home, it was totally worth the time spent traveling.
ReplyDeleteAnd this Christmas our son was home to celebrate with us. Yes, family and friends are very important to me; more than things. I love making memories with the people in my life.
Hi Debbie! What a great post!! I love my family so much, and I couldn't agree with you more. The first question... my biggest regret: my divorce. Divorce hurts everyone. As a matter of fact, I kept a journal and just published a memoir on my experience. It is amazing- The lessons God can teach you through your failures if you just listen to His voice. My book was dedicated to the children of divorce. They are the ones who are hurt the most. OKAY let me get off that soapbox and go on to question #2. Yes, I try very hard to keep in touch with the people that matter to me. My siblings, my relatives, etc. But my grandchildren and children come first for me. I have been so blessed, in spite of all my mistakes in life. God has been good.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie. I loved this post. I still have gifts from patients of yesteryear and I cherish them. I try and visit my aunt monthly and sometimes I don't get that done. I need to try and do better. Relationships with friends is very difficult and seems to be more difficult for me. Haven't figured that one out yet. But, it is what it is!. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie, What an important post! For me, I think I would regret spending more minutes/hours with my grands(although I do spend a lot). A couple of years ago, I searched for friends I lost touch with and reconnected-it was such a blessing. I hold tight to friends and we still get together with friends we've known for 20-40 yrs. Have a blessed weekend dear friend!
ReplyDeleteNoreen
Oh, yes, I definitely stay in touch with the folks that matter to me. Relationships are so important to me and I have received so many blessings as a result. Of course, with my Dad's failing health the past year and a half, I haven't been able to spend as much time with those dear to me as I would like, but I do the best I can. Right now, he is priority and should be. Another great post!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words. It is always a real joy to be able to spend time with you. You are so precious and such an inspiration to each one of us. Mike even came back to the Lord through your words of encouragement and your caring and compassionate heart. We love you very much.
ReplyDeleteSue