Last night I was on my way to the grocery store when I came around a bend in the road only to be see the night sky lit up in emergency vehicle lights. It appeared that only moments before I hopped in my car this horribly tragic accident took place. When I saw the cars on the side of the road, the paramedics putting bodies on stretchers, and police everywhere I immediately started to pray – for those people, for the medics/police/firemen, for all of the people on the road. When I came back from the store they had shut the entire road down and cars were being detoured through a parking lot. While I was sitting in the parking lot I watched as policemen spoke to two young girls standing in the grass, and I watched as they physically fell to the ground in sobs, the pain evident on their faces even in the dead of night. I don’t know what happened, I don’t know what they were told, but I DO know that I got home and lost it. We are never promised a tomorrow, and all I could think about is that I hope that I’m living a life that would be worth remembering if it ended suddenly. A life that would have impacted people to come to Christ, to love others well, and that lets others know that they are loved. I hope that this life I’m leading is a good one.
So.
Today, Monday, October 22. I just need some time away from my kitchen to spend time snuggling my little man and to be present for every moment. To sit and read. To get outside and enjoy a run along the riverfront. To (maybe, but probably not) get some laundry done so that I have clothes to wear. To get in the Word and spend time just deep-breathing in the presence of Christ. To hang out with my husband and cherish him and love him well.
And you guys? Y’all, I love you and I pray that you take a day too. Spend time with the people you love and tell them you love them. SHOW them. The kitchen and the computer can wait.
Much love,
Heather
Love your words, and your message Heather. I’ve more than ever how important it is to be more present. Life is so short. Thank you for this reminder!
Wow what a post! I got tears in my eyes….and I do not want to go back to work!!!
reading this as im nursing my precious 2 month old little boy. thank you so much for the reminder to make every day count.
Thank you for the powerful post, Heather. You are right- we are not promised a tomorrow. I have been feeling this exact way for the past 8 weeks since my younger brother suddenly and unexpectantly passed away. His life was gone in an instant, and I am still shocked and devestated. I wake up everyday and thank God for the gift of another day to love and cherish my family and friends. My heart goes out to the families involved in that car crash, and I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers.
A powerful reminder, Heather. Thank you.
Wow. You really stopped me in my tracks. Thank you for this 🙂 xo
That sounds horrible. 🙁 At least you’re spending quality time with your little man today.
Echoing the thank you above. I needed this on today of all days when my husband leaves for a week of work trips and I’m home with two young, vibrant, loud and vivacious kiddos. Sometimes it is all too easy to lose my patience because I’m in a hurry or something completely ridiculous like that that is no fault of my childrens’. I, too, vow to take it easy and really reflect on all that is good in my life and enjoy all the time and special moments we have together. Daily.
I’m back today visiting your blog after a long hiatus on my part, I think I picked the perfect day to reconnect. 🙂 Enjoy your day!
Thank you for this post, Heather. I’ve been struggling with being present and keeping my mind on God lately and sometimes it takes a reality check like this to make it click. I’m glad you’re safe and will pray for the victims of that accident and their families.
often times we are so wrapped up in our world, work and other things and tend to forget about people in our lives who mean so much more to us. Incident like these are sad but brings us back to realization that we need to appreciate little things in our life. thank you for sharing this.
wow, this really hit home. sometimes, i let the blog and the kitchen take control of my life and how i’m so entranced in it, i forget to spend time with my fiance and family members. i just say “i’m busy,” and my fiance just watches tv all day while i’m working for the blog. i really do need to take a day and just enjoy our lives together because we aren’t promised tomorrow. thank you for this. xoxo
I had tears in my eyes reading this. It’s good to be reminded that as beautiful as life is it can take a sudden turn. Thank you for this post, Heather. I hope you enjoy a great day with your family with lots of “me time”.
You’re a wise woman, Heather.
Thank you for this reminder on a rather dreary Monday morning I am having. I needed it. Calling my mom for the third time today, just because 🙂
This is a great reminder for us all. Thank you.