Something to think about

Dear Readers,

I tend to write when the mood strikes me. Sometimes it is once a day, sometimes it is more than once a day, sometimes there may be days or weeks in between postings. Today was a day that I sat and wrote out a few blogs that I wanted to get down. I wrote earlier in the morning about being happy (see previous blog entry). Now, I am writing about something that LEAPED out at me, right off the pages of the book, and SCREAMED at me to WRITE WRITE WRITE!!! I should prepare you, it isn't a normal blog entry and some might even think it is a bit on the morbid side, but......

Two years ago, my oldest daughter gave me the most wonderful Christmas gift. A book (surprise surprise! I told you I love books!) entitled, Mother Teresa: Her Essential Wisdom. It's not a book I sit and read from cover to cover, but rather it is a collection of her words, her thoughts on topics, that I tend to pick up when I need 'reminders'. The inscription on the blank page of the book had a note written by my daughter, because she knows all too well, that even those who appear the strongest and bravest need reminders from time to time. Today, I needed one of Mother Teresa's thought provoking reminders.

On page 92 of the book, in a chapter entitled Suffering and Death, I found this particular blurb: "If you were to die today, what would others say about you? What was in you that was beautiful, that was Christlike, that helped others to pray better? Face yourself, with Jesus at your side, and do not be satisfied with just any answer." WOW. Now there's something to think about. If I were today today, what would others say about me. It was time to really face myself, and so I thought this one through.

Sure, many times people ask, "If you knew you had 24 hours to live, what would you do? Who would you spend it with?" or "Would you want to know how long you have on this earth?". But let's think about this one, and I will repeat it again, "If you were to die today, what would others say about you?"

This question forces us to take a long hard look at ourselves. We've all sat at funerals, whether they be of a beloved family member or a friend, and we've heard what people had to say about that person. But thinking about that, I wonder, what would people say about me? Have I lived the life I think I have? Have I been a good friend? Have I loved enough? Have I loved truly? Have I spoken kind words more often than not?

Until tomorrow, my friends.....do yourself a favor and check out the book, Mother Teresa: Her Essential Wisdom edited by Carol Kelly-Gangi.

Think Thankfully!