This is a Great Quote

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." -Dr. Suess

Really reflect on this quote. I think that it is one of the hardest things to do in life, but it's important. We shouldn't spend our lives in sadness, but looking on the bright side. This is especially hard when friends move away or you're at graduation, but instead of thinking about how much you'll miss the person, thank God for all the wonderful times you had with them. Thank Him that you met the person in the first place and got to know and be friends with them. Thank Him for blessing you with a friendship that won't be affected by physical distance. And keep in touch with them, too! The wonder of telephones....or mail.

I know some people say that it's better to have nothing in the first place than to have something and then lose it. But would you rather have it that way, really? Would you rather have it that you'd never met that friend in the first place? While the first answer that comes to mind would be yes, I think that that's because you want to ease your pain you're in right now. If you really thought about it and are truly friends with the person, you will be more grateful than ever for them and that you know them.

It also teaches you a life lesson: Never take anything for granted. Treasure all your memories and never have the mindset that someone will be with you for a long time, because when they leave, you'll be crushed and unprepared for the unexpectedness of the situation.

A couple of years ago, my class did a trip to NY/Washington D.C. One person in particular always had had a dream of going to Yankee Stadium. Well, they put it off until the next time they could go to NY and did something else instead. Now they are going to tear it down and the person never got to go.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that we should go around worrying that important things in our life will suddenly be taken from us, so we need to enjoy them NOW, NOW, NOW. No way is that what I'm saying. All I'm saying is that once time goes on and you look back, don't regret taking someone's presence in your life for granted. (Or certain experiences, memories, traditions.) Enjoy life and thank God every day for how much he has blessed us with.

"Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever." (www.biblegateway.com)

Matthew 6: 13-16

13 You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Just a Random Thought...

Everyone is ALWAYS complaining about their lives and how much work they have to do and how much stress they have. How we pay too much for gas and we need more time. (Actually I think they just need less activity in their lives, but anyway...)

So why is it that as soon as someone says the words, "This could change life as we know it," people freak out?

I think that we just need to appreciate life more. Ever have your doubts about how great life is? Take a night to watch the sun set, sleep under the stars, and then watch the sun come up the next morning. Amazing. How can anyone experience a sunset and doubt God? His paintbrush streaks color across the sky...wow.

And if we can experience such beauty on Earth, how much greater will heaven be?...