I remember a few years ago attending an Angels for Adoption charity dinner one evening—reluctantly. A woman I was dating had to attend on behalf of the Congress member for whom she worked. It ended up being a memorable experience for several reasons but one thing stands out…the minister who delivered an opening prayer made a statement in his invocation that I’ll always remember… “Lord, humble us when we become too well pleased with ourselves”.
How’s your swagger these days? Things going well for you? I know for me when I’m riding rather high, life doesn’t seem too fragile. Maybe it’s just me but I bet not…when this transitory gig called life is amidst one of it's positive, fruitful and easy chapters; I’m prone to forget how fragile it is.
I just stopped by Mrs. Blandings for a moment. I hadn’t been over there in a while...I just clicked on her link at my site…‘cause you know I love reading mine. I enjoy the repartee with some of the “design gals” even though I don’t comment too often…not a whole lot quite frankly for me to get in on at these sites, just as they are often lost when we are arguing 3/2 rolls and shell cordovan over here. But sometimes I honestly believe that God puts things before me to keep me mindful of the delicate nature of our existence. A reminder was awaiting me when I peeked in over at Mrs. Blandings.
That fact that I don’t know these people or had never been to Holding Court blog is irrelevant. This beautiful wife, mother and design entrepreneur is gone. Her life tragically ended in an automobile accident. It matters not what you have, what your bloodlines are, where you went to school or who you know. Circumstance doesn’t give a damn about such things and tragedy indeed, is a great equalizer—a humbler of epic proportion. Read this.
As I sit here knowing that LFG is safe and sound just a door away, I pray for this man, his two children and all who are aggrieved by this tragic loss. These moments remind me of how my challenges are nothing, how my frustrations are trivial and that on balance; I live a blessed and complete life.
ADG
17 comments:
A very relevant thought....appreciate and enjoy to the fullest.
How utterly and sadly true. A great post and a priceless reminder to everyone.
ML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com
I saw this earlier and had the same reaction as you. It's so hard to keep things in perspective. I join you in your prayers.
Needless to say, I'll be hugging my wife a lot more.
Well said. I read about Marija's passing a few days ago - so very sad. You are right, all too often we get caught up in the material, the unimportant, and then life smacks us in the face, like with my mother's illness this summer. Thanks for the reminder that we should focus on what's REALLY important in life. Have a good weekend,
Jen
I read about this a few days ago. It is just so incredibly awful.
It really does put everything into perspective.
I like your take away about being humble and appreciating what you have.
In fact, for those of us that are not riding too high right now in this economy, this really puts one's troubles in perspective also. I know that poor man would ecstatically give up every worldly possession to spend one more second with his lovely wife.
I certainly can't give meaning to this horrible accident, but it does make me pull mine in a little closer. Thanks for stopping in.
Thank you for the reminder. I'll keep this family in my prayers today
Yes, you are so right ADG. This reminds all of us that we don't have any problems really. Age increases humility, I have learned. One learns that the rug can be jerked out from under at any moment, so we live appreciating all the moments. Prayers for this man and his 2 precious children. xoxo
Sobering and tragic....
The dice are in the air for all of us...we never know when it is " Seven out and line away"
We've heard it so much that it now sounds trite, yet it remains a great truism: live each day as if it is your last.
I will keep this family in my prayers.
My grandmother use to tell me that there is always someone out there that has more problems than you, no mater how bad you think you have it.
Make sure you thank your higher being for what you do have.
Take time to tell those close to you how much they mean to your life each day.
Our thoughts and prayer go out to them.
I just arrived home from a visit to a specialist that I'm required to see in order to prepare for a possible elective amputation. This really puts the injury that was inflicted on me in perspective. I'm trying to let the anger go and focus on making a contribution to others. I am saddened to hear of this as "Any man's (or woman's) death diminishes me." Please let me know if I may do anything to assist this lady's family. Take good care of LFG. Be well, sir.
~Hilton
Hilton...Listen man, if getting rid of one troublesome limb will on balance, make for a better quality of life for you, then I'm sure you'll make a good decision. I remember being in traffic in Baltimore shortly after my separation from LFG's mom. I was angry at the world and wallowing in my stuff. I looked over in the grass median and saw a homeless man sitting in the median with both prosthetic legs off, massaging what was surely, two irritated stumps. He was smiling. I'll never forget it. God wanted me to see that man so that I could recalibrate my lens.
TWJ...indeed, we all need to pray for these folks.
FogeyYoung'un...it's these events that make us realize that cliches become such for good reasons.
MainLiner....seven out and line away...well said.
Preppy101...Southern Prole...Indeed.
Mrs. Blandings...I'm glad I stopped by.
Anonymous...indeed.
M.Lane-James-Turling-JMW-SuburbanOne...thanks all.
I heard this sad news a day or so ago when I followed the link to Mrs. Blandings from your blog. It was a gut shot. I was just stunned to have stumbled upon all of it. A lot of the sites I linked to from your blog had posted eulogies of sorts. People who did not know Marija. One designer gentleman said that he had a 1, 4 and 7 year old and could not imagine what Marija's husband and children were going through right now. But it is savagely heartening that a community of strangers, spread out all over our country, have come together in blogs to send a hug and a prayer. I thought of mentioning it in my comments previously, but it is so much nicer that you found out and blogged about it in your own time and way.
Hilton. Poor brave little soldier. This is no small thing. Bless your heart. I am sooooo sorry. Is there naught that can be done?
Back to sighing.
SF Bay Area
I too believe that "God puts things before me to keep me mindful of the delicate nature of our existence." Beautifully stated.
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