the shortness of life

i know sometimes life feels like it's dragging on, but it's really just a blink of an eye. recently i've been thinking a lot about death...mainly because some people i know have died, and i'm close to people here who are in conditions that could quickly lead to death. so needless to say, i've been reminded lately how quickly we can disappear. in a world where time IS our priority, we forget that it's also something we can't control. when we live our lives busy and rushing, always hoping for the next moment, we miss what is happening in the now.

i know this is nothing new, but the now is what makes the next moment worth living. can you imagine if we really could just be in this moment without making a list of all the things we need to do next in our minds? can you imagine if we were observant to what was going on around us and the needs of others? can you imagine if we loved with all we had at that very moment? can you imagine if we took the time to see jesus in the face of each person we came in contact with in that moment?

as i finish my time here, my prayer is that i'll be here...be here in mind, in spirit, in my whole being. as i'm reminded that tomorrow is not guaranteed, i am challenged to see what is around me and to find a way to love and enjoy it. even in the hardest moments that we endure, we can't compare our suffering to that of our lord's. i'm learning to celebrate life...even when it's tough.

i'm really excited to come home and be with my family and experience once again the comforts of my home and atmosphere. but the last thing i want to do is miss this. so here i am. living simply this beautiful life.