“In our lives, we have two or three opportunities to be a hero, but almost every day, we have the opportunity not to be a coward.”
~ Spanish Proverb
This beautiful red sunrise holds alot of love today. For two friends, and simply for the life we are given each day by the grace of God.
Yesterday morning, I posted a thought out to my Facebook feed …
If you planted hope today in any hopeless heart,
If someone’s burden was lighter because you did your part,
If you caused a laugh that chased some tears away,
If tonight your name is named when someone kneels to pray,
Then your day was well spent.
One never knows when these types of days will arrive. For the most part, we can’t go out looking to lighten the load of the world.
If there is one thing I’ve taken away from this year, it’s the adage to “Just Show Up.”
Last night, a friend of mine saved another’s life. As a skilled life guard, with many years of CPR training, he was able to resuscitate someone who had stopped breathing. It was only out of their good fortune that he happened to be at the right place at the right time. We were called upon to support him, as he was understandably shaken up, once his “take action mind” and adrenaline had worn off.
I enjoyed everything about my day yesterday: Work was productive, and I spent the afternoon making a large batch of homemade salsa and canning for the first time. But when I reflect, the fact that I was there to support my friend in his time of need really is the only thing that matters. Everything else seems trivial. To lighten his load, to give him a hug, to make him smile. Not that we ever would keep count, but it’s nice to be able to come to his aid, as he’s come to mine, so many times in the past. What a wonderful friend and amazing human being you are. It brings tears to my eyes, just thinking about it …
So with that, I bid all of you all a blessed day … Remember that life is so very precious. And maybe consider taking a CPR course … One never knows when one might have the opportunity to be a hero. But most of all, don’t be a coward, and just show up. For your friends, for your family, and for all that life has to bring.
