I heard the most amazing quote today. It said simply,
"You are one choice away from changing the rest of your life."
Today, I found out that a friend of mine was in the hospital with heart problems. I had so many things planned. I have so many things that I need to do. But I dropped all of them to go on a forty five minute drive and stop by the hospital to see my friend. I arrived to find her in the room all by herself staring at the walls. Her eyes filled with tears when she saw me. I held her hand, rubbed her back, and just sat and talked with her for a couple of hours. I listened, I talked, and I gave her hope and love.
I found out that tomorrow is going to be her 66th year wedding anniversary. How amazing is that? It is the one thing that I always wanted in my own life. To get married one time and be married forever. To spend my life with one man who loved me and needed me. I had to give up on that dream, but I can rejoice in my friend's fulfilling of it. We can all rejoice in the joy that is felt by each one of our sisters.
There are so many good things that need doing. If we could each just manage to do one thing for someone else, we really could change the world for another. Today, my sister needed a friend. She was alone and lonely. She needed someone to take a little while out of their busy day and spend some time with her.
So today, I have thought a lot about the quote above. As I visited my friend, I realized what it was that I would really love to change in my world. Life is so short. No matter how long it lasts, there are still more things to do and more changes to make. So, if I could make one choice that would change the rest of my life, I would choose forgiveness. I would willingly forgive those who have hurt me, left me, misunderstood me, offended me, or blamed me. I would forgive them and ask them to forgive me for the bad feelings that I have harbored in my heart. I would beg my Heavenly Father to cleanse me from the sins of anger and ill will. I would ask Him to fill my heart with peace and love.
Today, I am choosing forgiveness. I am changing my future.
What choice are you going to make to change your life?
Patty Ann thank you for visiting my blog today and your kind comment. I really enjoyed your post. I often find myself frustrated when life gets so busy for me that I won't be able to help a need of a friend that pops up unexpectedly. I've been meaning to make cookies for a dear friend with cancer who's wife's just been diagnosed as well just last week.. I think it's time I just went ahead, made them, and brought the cookies to them. Thank you for the inspiration :)
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how our choices can change us. Two years ago my friend's husband was in the hospital and I was supposed to spend the day with here. I woke up and 2 of my three kids had the flu. I could have stayed home and taken care of my kids, but I went to the hospital anyway. I AM SO GLAD I DID. That was the day that her husband died. At that time she needed me more than my kids did. It also changed my perspective on several things. I will never forget that day.
ReplyDeleteOne of things that I do need to change though, and I am in the process of doing, is to be more present with my kids. I am physically here, but not necessarily mentally or emotionally. They know I love them, but I want to do better - be better.
I want to thank you so much for visiting my blog today. One of the most important ways to show people that we love them is simply to spend time with them and let them know how much they mean to us. The spirit prompts us if we will only listen.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from MMB...
ReplyDeleteThanks for making me think today. :)