Ready or not here it comes....

Recently I was talking to my wonderful grandmother of 92 years who is currently struggling with her health. (At 92 that's no shocker) Suddenly I came to realize that I never knew when would be the last conversation I would have with her. As the realization dawned I began to focus more on what was being said. I began to listen more carefully, and concentrate on her needs. I was more deliberate in my expressions of love, and I truly cherished every moment.

Then the thought came to my mind... Do I really ever know when anyone is going to pass on to the other side? I have had experiences in my life and in my own family that have proven to me time and again that life is short. I know that. It is a lesson I have already learned, so why is it so hard to apply? 

Every day I have the chance to talk to people. Many of whom I do not know. What if I was the last person on earth that they ever talked to? What would their last message from earth life be? Is it a positive message? Am I sharing kind words or supportive thoughts? Am I helping them to feel of God's love? Or, am I being short with them, cutting them off, saying mean things, or thinking mean thoughts? Wow what a humbling thought! As an imperfect being I began to think of all of the conversations I have had in the past few weeks. Wow I am thankful for repentance! What a gift! 

Then as my brain kept thinking (as it tends to do) I thought, what if I were to die tomorrow, would the people I left behind know that I loved them? Would they be confident that I cared? What lessons or legacy would I leave behind? (Please note that I deeply value my life, its not about that!) Again deep humility overcame me!

This led to thoughts of the Savior Jesus Christ who overcame such tendency. His life was spent going about doing good, helping others, and seeking Gods will. He sacrificed his time, talents, and everything he had including His own life for me and for you. The legacy He left behind is one that lives on in his personal relationships with each and every individual. 

This is a goal to strive for. As the primary song says, I should try to be like Jesus just a little bit more.I should try to learn his ways. I should try to love my neighbor, and try to serve my friends. I honestly believe that if I were to pattern my life more after the Savior I would see others for who they really are. I would treat them as children of God. I would lead them to the one true source of Happiness... Christ himself. 

So here I pledge to try as President Hinckley said, to try a little harder to be a little better every day. I invite anyone who feels so inclined to join me in this quest. I know God loves us and can work through us! I know life is short, and I know that we can make a difference, and be a difference in our short time! 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

When Mother’s Day Hurts: Infertility and the Silent Struggle

Image
Mother’s Day is a beautiful time of celebration for many. But for those who are walking the difficult path of infertility, it can be a day of heartache, quiet grief, and unspoken longing. While others are surrounded by flowers, cards, and family gatherings, many women feel left out of a celebration that touches the deepest part of their identity and hope. Why It Hurts Infertility is a private sorrow that often goes unseen. Every pregnancy announcement, baby shower, or Mother’s Day tribute can feel like a reminder of what hasn’t happened yet—or what may never come. The pain is real, even if it’s invisible to others. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland once compassionately said: “To you who are single, widowed, divorced, or have no children, I say: Do not lose hope. The Lord loves you. He knows your heart. He has not forgotten you.” —Jeffrey R. Holland, “Because She Is a Mother”, April 1997 This reassurance is vital. God sees the whole picture. He understands the desires of our hearts and ho...
Read more

The Battle to Be Still

Image
Post surgery I continue to hear the phrase "just rest!" It's ironic because this phrase has created an internal and external battle for me. I have not been blessed with the gift of being still. In fact, if the scriptures were written about me it would say, "Be busy, and try to stay out of God's way". Don't worry, I won't change the scriptures, I'll try to adapt myself to the Bible as it stands. First I will illustrate part of the problem I face in adapting to being still. Let me share some real life examples that make it hard to slow down. "Hey Ashley I know you have surgery today, but I have a question..." "Hey don't do too much... but could you make sure you are here for the four terminations we have on Thursday? Can you also finish payroll. Oh, and we need some severance packages too" "Hey Ashley just make sure you rest... but could you start working with a loan officer to buy the house? Would you mind review...
Read more

Ode to the "Great Harvester"

Image
For two years I have had a companion in the "great harvester". I'll never forget when I woke up in the hospital in 2022 and there was a bag attached to my side. I was told prior to the surgery that there was a 2% chance of such an event, but I couldn't understand how it had happened. The kindest nurse came in and tried to make it ok. She told me that naming things attached to our body can make them become less of a burden, and more of a blessing. At the time I wasn't in much of a joking mood, but tried to keep my humor... this Stoma would literally touch everything I ever ate. Thus the birth of the great harvester. During the past several years I cannot count the number of uncomfortable situations I have shared with the Great Harvester. Sometimes my stoma was far too powerful for the accompany bag and would spread it's goodness all over everywhere, and mostly all over me. Carrying an extra change of clothes (or three) became the norm. I learned very quic...
Read more