Two students from my small university died in a car accident on Friday evening. All I can think about is how they were here, then in an instant they weren’t. I didn’t know either of them well and though there is no way anyone could have known, I wonder, why didn’t I take the time to know them better? The girl lived two doors down the hall from me my sophomore year, but we weren’t friends. Why not? What kept us from being friends? Doesn’t it seem like a waste now? Doesn’t the reason seem so incredibly small now?
Doesn’t everything?
It is sad that it takes things like this to open your eyes. To be a little more thankful. To be a little less bitter. To drive a little more carefully. To smile a little more for everything you have.
This weekend has reminded me in its own, sad way to be a little more aware. Aware of what I have, aware of what I’m doing, aware of all life has to offer.
It isn’t something we like to think about but there it is: life is too short. Whether you live to be 100 or whether God has other plans, life is still too short.
So order pizza with your friends. Go for a hike. Put your soul into every little thing you have to do. Call your mom. Laugh. Ask yourself why you aren’t friends with the girl two doors down. Spend an entire day in the arms of the one you love. Write a letter. Write anything. Get in touch with that friend from way-back-when who you used to spend every summer day with climbing trees and watching Dirty Dancing… you never know when she won’t be there anymore. Smile… a lot… and mean it!
Stop squandering your potential!
I have an amazing family. I have good and loving friends. I have an absolutely wonderful boyfriend. I have no idea what I’m doing with my life, but I’m living it!
I love.
I am loved.
I am thankful.
