Some of you may know that my Dad had a heart attack this week. It was scary, and we didn't know what was going to happen. Thankfully, he only needed 2 metal stints, instead of another openheart surgery. He is home now, resting, and we think everything will be ok.
I got to thinking a lot this week about life, how short it is, and how unexpected things always happen. You never konw how long you have, or how long the people around you have. I talked to my Dad on the phone when things were still very uncertain. We were all worried, but had faith that no matter what happened, things would be ok because we are an eternal family. When I spoke to my Dad, he said, "I love you Emily. I really love you. You have a special place in my heart. You always have." He said it like it might be the last time we spoke to each other. That really shook me up, and I remember the countless times I have just rattled off, "ok, love you, bye." at the end of conversations with my loved ones. This experience has helped me to realize the importance of everyday, and every opportunity to spend with my loved ones. And it helped me to ponder the blessing of the knowledge that I will see my family again no matter how long they are here, or I am here. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In my religion, we believe in the Plan of Salvation, or the Plan of Happiness. The Lord has given us this plan so we can return back to Him, with our families and live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ by participating in certain ordinances and covenants, and by living by them our whole life. We make those promises in our temples, and they are the most sacred places on earth to us because God dwells there. I know for sure that my family can be together forever if we do our best, and live the way we have promised to live. Families are what is most important. In the last General Conference of the church, our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson counseled us to live everyday as if it were our last.
"This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now.
My brothers and sisters, there is no tomorrow to remember if we don’t do something today.
Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know. Wrote William Shakespeare, “They do not love that do not show their love.”3 We will never regret the kind words spoken or the affection shown. Rather, our regrets will come if such things are omitted from our relationships with those who mean the most to us.
Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”4
How simple, yet profound are these words. It is apparent to me that whoever the prophet is, in that time, he knows just what we need to hear, and gives us true and applicable counsel. I am going to take this counsel and use it in my life. I don't want to live another today counting on another tomorrow, collecting empty yesterdays. I want my family and friends to know how much I care about them. Life would be empty without them. My loved ones are what bring to me the joy that fills my life.
4 comments:
Thanks for the reminder Emily. This is really something that I needed to hear tonight. Life is a precious gift and so are our loved ones around us. I need to take more time to focus on the loved ones in my life rather than any stresses I may have.
Also, I'm grateful to have you for a friend. You are a wonderful person who I would easily consider to be my sister. Especially since our families use words like "foof" (I don't know how to spell it)! I love you!
Oh my heck Emily! You are making me cry!!!!! i'm soooooo happy your dad is doing better! I bet that was so scary! Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I always find thoughts about life uplifting and I think it is so important to reflect on our lives, what we have and what we can do better...I will keep your dad in my prayers. I hope he recovers quickly.
Emily! Love catching up through this blog thing!
Holy Cow, Emily, I found you! This is Andrea Hamblin. I found you through Andrea Goldthorpe's blog. I have been thinking about you so much lately! I even tried calling your phone number but it is not working any more. I miss you! Lots of changes here with my family. If you go to my website (www.memoriesofgladness.com) you will find my contact info if you want to call or email me. I would love to hear from you. I also have a blog that you can click on "Annie" and be taken to it. Hope you are well. Loved reading through some of your blog. You and Seth look so happy. Take care my friend!
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