I've had my close circle of friends many years now, decades in some cases. We don't get a chance to spend the kind of time we used to, because of life's directions, our jobs, our family responsibilities, and the like. This past weekend, my best friend's son turned 4 years old, and a bunch of us got together, after what seemed like forever. And my friends echoed my sentiments as we had a chance to chat, catch up, and talk. "I miss you guys" was the sentence of the day. There is a calm comfort, and sense of being home, a feeling of trust you get from your close friends that is rare these days. I'm my own man, all the time, but when I'm with my close friends, I can let my guard down completely, knowing that whatever I see, whatever my condition is, whatever life takes me, my friends will love me and be there unconditionally. That's the way I have lived my life, with "Unconditional Love". We chatted for just a few hours, but it was priceless to me, and I miss my friends and the unlimited time we used to spend together greatly. I appreciate those days, and the friendships we've built over the years, more than I can imagine.
I pray for you, my friend reading this, that you may be blessed with the joy and privilege of true friendship, that people in and through your life can give you the compassion and kindness that we all yearn for. May God Bless you today and every day.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Are you okay?
Accidents happen, that why we have insurance. And with the mass of cars and vehicles out there, it's just a matter of time before you get into one. Thank God for the times when I've had accidents recently, it's just been the car with the damage, and everyone involved is okay.
Those were the thoughts that was running through my mind when my 3-month old brand-spanking new car got T-boned the other day, side curtain airbags going off. Oh my God, what if my kids were in the car? Oh my God, what if there was a kid in the street between the two cars? On my God, what if there was a baby in the other car, not wearing a seat belt?
After that initial shock and stress, of course, then it came it to my car, and all of the random thoughts associated with material possessions, hassle, etc. Through this all, a little boy walked out from the other vehicle, couldn't have been more than 10 years old, carrying a little notepad to write stuff down. And he says in the most quiet and caring voice, "Are you okay?"
I think he stunned me a bit, by saying that. Usually, people are cussing and swearing and pissed off, and I admit I had some feelings like that, especially not really understanding who was at fault. But, when the little guy said "Are you okay?" it sort of hit my reset button. I calmed down tremendously and said as humanely as possible, "I'm okay, are you okay?" And the little guy said, "Yes, I'm okay."
I think there's a lot to learn here from this, something profound in the simplicity of a child who's initial reaction should be commonplace, but so often isn't in this era of blame, guilt, and accountability. Finances, time, stress, and all don't really matter as much as the simple question, "Are you okay?"
Thank you, my little friend, for you patience, compassion, and kindness. I pray for you, that you find strength always as you did here. You taught me a little something about how to live life right, and how to be a better person with 3 simple and timely words.
Those were the thoughts that was running through my mind when my 3-month old brand-spanking new car got T-boned the other day, side curtain airbags going off. Oh my God, what if my kids were in the car? Oh my God, what if there was a kid in the street between the two cars? On my God, what if there was a baby in the other car, not wearing a seat belt?
After that initial shock and stress, of course, then it came it to my car, and all of the random thoughts associated with material possessions, hassle, etc. Through this all, a little boy walked out from the other vehicle, couldn't have been more than 10 years old, carrying a little notepad to write stuff down. And he says in the most quiet and caring voice, "Are you okay?"
I think he stunned me a bit, by saying that. Usually, people are cussing and swearing and pissed off, and I admit I had some feelings like that, especially not really understanding who was at fault. But, when the little guy said "Are you okay?" it sort of hit my reset button. I calmed down tremendously and said as humanely as possible, "I'm okay, are you okay?" And the little guy said, "Yes, I'm okay."
I think there's a lot to learn here from this, something profound in the simplicity of a child who's initial reaction should be commonplace, but so often isn't in this era of blame, guilt, and accountability. Finances, time, stress, and all don't really matter as much as the simple question, "Are you okay?"
Thank you, my little friend, for you patience, compassion, and kindness. I pray for you, that you find strength always as you did here. You taught me a little something about how to live life right, and how to be a better person with 3 simple and timely words.
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