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September 2007  Leadville, CO

It’s raining in my world this morning (big surprise!). But I’m not complaining because I have a warm little home and plenty to do to keep me busy. I’ll be saying goodbye to a dear Habitat buddy who has stopped by to visit us here in Leadville.

We were talking yesterday and he said something that really hit home with me. He’s a young whippersnapper, in his forties. He told me that he had been married for sixteen years when his wife died. They would have been celebrating their 20th anniversary in a few weeks. He had been working at a job that he hated for several years before she got sick and when it was all over he sat down to evaluate his life. He said, "After something like that happens you see a lot of things differently." He decided that he couldn’t waste another day of his life doing something that he hated. He sold his home and bought an RV and has been traveling with his dog for the last couple years. He stops in to visit friends and family all over the country and rents an apartment now and then for a few months off the road. He’s volunteered in many of the places he stops and he seems to love working on Habitat builds most of all. He says, "You meet the nicest people!" and we agree.

Just made me think of what a profound thing it would be if we could evaluate our lives with that same intensity before a tragedy strikes. What things would you change about your daily routines, your attitudes, your whole life? If you can’t think of a single thing you’d do differently thank God for your life and the lives of your loved ones and keep your eyes on the future. Set positive personal goals and reach for them. But most of all hold on tight to the precious gifts of your life, this day, this hour and spread your love around.