Ever think about the people who come and go through our lives? Some are the briefest of encounters..servers in restaurants, ticket sellers at the movies, cashiers at a store... while others last longer but still sort of fizzle out or fade over time. Then there are those who just disappear out of our lives with little to no warning, and it is if we never knew them at all, or we may feel that this is what they think.
Others such as our family and some few friends may be with us (if not physically or geographically, then in our hearts and minds) forever.
Ever wonder who remembers you and how they remember you? Sometimes we impact people's lives without intending to or even being aware of it. Our smile or frown might make a difference in someone's day. Our attitude and behavior may be the only Bible or church they ever see. Are we behaving such that we would want them to remember us? Have our impatience or unkindness brought someone else discouragement? Knowing what to say and do is not the issue; whether we are doing and saying what we know to be right is.
Sometimes it seems that the impermanence of some relationships is like life itself, all too brief, and sometimes painful.
Some approach life (and interaction with others) as if it is a drudgery and something to be endured, while others see it as a blessing and live each day as an adventure of sorts, relishing each moment and trying to suck the flavor or essence out like a dog trying to get the juicy marrow out of a bone.
Well, you probably know by now that I am of the latter group. No matter how challenging some days...weeks...months..lol..can be, God is great and life is good. That doesn't change. Does this mean that I am always on my best behavior, and never mess up? No, indeed. Does this mean that I am never down and discouraged? Nope. Not at all. It simply means that I choose not to stay there. The Bible talks about walking through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23). Keyword is not valley nor shadow nor death ...not for me. It is through. We don't have to stay there! God will bring us through.
When I am gone, I hope that if anyone does remember me, what they recall is that I was good to them, treated them well, and was a truly happy person. That is more than enough.
yeah, i would put myself in the last group as well, the eternal optimist.
ReplyDeletei was such a scum sucking swine as a youth that i have actively sought out those i hurt and offended during those years (and in a few cases restitution). it is amazing to me the rejection an apology can bring even forty years later. the last person i wanted to find, i finally did on Classmates several years ago. they cancelled their Classmates profile, deleted all of their information and then closed out their email account. guess i had the ability to really make an impression as a youth!