Reflections

Lately I have become aware of so many people that are struggling with different things.  'Tis the nature of life, I suppose.  We all must deal with adversity.  Here are the recent stories that have caused me to reflect on life:

A 15 year old girl in the community just got diagnosed with a rare form of terminal cancer in which she was given only a few months to live. 

A young mother who I grew up with just passed away of cancer, leaving behind a husband and several small children.  Her brother also recently passed away, leaving behind a wife and small children.

A local police officer was just killed in the line of duty, leaving behind a wife and 2 children.

My husband's cousin, who is in his early 30's, recently had a kidney transplant.  His body is now rejecting the new kidney that was donated to him by his wife.  He needs a healthy kidney in order to stay alive.

These things all happened close to home, and all within the last couple of weeks.  My heart breaks for all of these families who are dealing with great amounts of grief and stress due to circumstances beyond their control.  It has reminded me, once again, of the fragility of life.  You just never know when your life could be turned upside down in an instant.  It has caused me to think about my life and what kind of a legacy that I want to leave behind for those who will live after me.  I think it is only natural for one to want to make a difference in the world - to leave something of value for those around them.  But, what am I doing to make a difference?  That is the question that has been on my mind. 

There have been people that I have known throughout my life that have been simply amazing - the kind of people who make a mark on your life that never goes away.  But, what have they done that is so amazing?  Sometimes it is hard to put a finger on one thing.  Most of the time it is not just one thing.  It is the quiet way that they go around doing good.  It is the lives they touch simply by being in the right place at the right time.  It is their example of faith that gives inspiration to all who know them.  It is the way that they emulate the Savior's example at every turn.  They don't belittle or gossip or say unkind words about others.  They lift. They build. They comfort. They are positive.  Being who they are makes others want to be better.  That is the kind of person that I want to be.  That is the kind of legacy that I want to leave, and I know that I have a long way to go in order to get there.  But, my resolve is to work on it - to seek the Spirit to know how I can fulfill the Lord's will - and then to do it.  I find myself thinking about things all the time, figuring out in my head how I can change different things.  Too often, however, I don't follow through.  And, that is where I need to start - by getting on my feet and getting to work.  I don't want to get to the end of my life and look back on all of the things that I wish I would have done differently.  Now is the time to do something different - to change the things that aren't going to get me to the place where I want be in the end.  So, thus it begins.  Tomorrow is a new day - a new adventure - a new opportunity to LIVE without simply going through the motions.  Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life.