This is the first of a three essay series — posted back-to-back in three days — dealing with three distinct yet related topics that have captured much of my summer. With Labor Day rapidly approaching, I figured that closing out the summer of 2008 with categorized reflections might prove interesting and useful. So . . . here goes!
A reminder, by both definition and design, is meant to bring something back to mind — to the forefront of attention — so that we can either follow through on an intended action or just have a fresh picture or perspective of an item of importance. We all need reminders on occasion! We forget things or find ways to misplace them in our cluttered and harried brains. We use lists; strings tied around fingers; reminder services on our email or cell phones; the ever trusty "post-it" notes; alarms set for specific times; planners; calendars; etc., etc., etc.
When we forget people, places or things that we should remember, we often refer to them as "senior moments," "blond moments" or MY favorite — "BALD MOMENTS!" Anything to shift focus from the fact that we have misplaced a thought, idea, event, awareness or person!
As useful as most of our attempts are to remain cognizant of things that are meaningful and important in our lives, perhaps the most effective reminders are the ones that come out of the blue — the ones that hit us unexpectedly. I don’t know about you, but reminders of this nature tend to crystallize my focus in ways no string or "post it" note can!
I have had several of those "out of the blue" reminders this summer. Allow me to share a few with you.
You Aren’t 25 Years Old Anymore, Mister! — Yep! THAT one happened in a routine softball game on Monday June 16, 2008 — the night I charged a short pop fly in shallow center field; over ran the ball; dove valiantly (or stupidly as the case may be) back in order to catch it; landed squarely on my left shoulder in full extension; broke the shoulder; missed the ball; had to go to the emergency room; caused the team to forfeit the final game of the season; and invited a truck load of hurt to invade this 55 year old body! Ouch and double ouch! I don’t know if I have ever had anything hurt as much as this has! I am now two weeks into PT (the pain I now willingly submit to) in order to regain use of the wounded wing! I am told that everything should be back to normal in 6 to 9 months! SIX TO NINE MONTHS! All this because my brain needed to be reminded that my body can’t do some things quite as well as it used to!
Of what was I reminded exactly? Well, primarily, I was reminded that we all need to be more aware of our limitations and work within them. That does not mean that we should be defined by them. We should always find ways to push our limitations and expand our boundaries — to improve! However, in order to do this successfully, we must first be aware of those limitations. That knowledge can often mean the difference between foolhardiness and calculated risk-taking — BIG difference!
Disease Is No Respecter of Persons — Sickness and disease are parts of life and are likely to always harass us. We often become lulled into a false sense of security because of our relatively good health and the continual advances of medical science. As much as we take care of ourselves — eat right; drink plenty of water; exercise; use sun screen; sleep appropriately; manage stress effectively; go for annual physicals — disease has a way of sneaking up on us and rattling our respective cages! I know that has happened in my life this summer. I have mentioned Brian and June Werry to you as well as a young friend of mine — all three touched by the terrifying specter of cancer! I know that you continue to pray for them as they walk each day down the path of uncertainty and for that I am grateful. Disease does not respect people. The Bible says that the rain falls on both the just and the unjust. I can only assume that if the rain falls equally on people, then the drought affects equally as well. We fight bravely against disease in all its facets — sometimes we win and other times we don’t; however, the most important thing is that we keep fighting and live every day to its fullest!
I was reminded of just how precious a commodity time really is! Every day is a gift! Every day is an opportunity!
- Tim McGraw’s song Live Like You Were Dying (written by Craig Wiseman) sheds light on the subject when it says, "Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying!"
- A recent movie entitled, The Bucket List addresses similar issues — making a list of things you want to do before you "kick the bucket!"
- C.S. Lewis focused on the power of living in the "now" when in The Screwtape Letters he wrote, "The present is the point where time touches eternity!"
- Dean Koontz in his book, Shadowfires discusses people that "get" the beauty of the present by describing them as people who "prepare for the future but never at the expense of losing touch with now" and as being able to "put the past behind them drawing strength and insight from its lessons."
I was reminded that I must open this precious gift every day to discover the beauty, power and opportunity that lies hidden in its simple complexity.
True Heroes Are Everywhere! We Just Need To Know Where to Look! — The most poignant set of experiences that created this reminder in my life were my two trips to Indianapolis to spend time with the survivors of the WWII USS Indianapolis tragedy. I will write more on these experiences on the 31st; however, suffice it to say that being around these incredible men (ordinary men called upon to perform in extraordinary ways) has left a lasting impression on me. It has helped remind me what true heroism is all about and reshaped the lens through which I view those who would be heroes. Again, I will write more on this on Sunday.
The Power Of The Human Spirit Is UNQUENCHABLE! — A friend of mine sent me a link to a video that simply blew me away! At first, I thought I was going to see the story of another young sports prodigy; however, as Paul Harvey would say, there is a "rest of the story" that is so inspiring you will hardly believe your eyes or ears. Instead of muddling through a weak attempt to describe the story to you, I invite you to go to http://video.yahoo.com/watch/1197420/4273255 and see for yourself. If you come away with a dry eye, I will be surprised!
In each of the situations listed above, I was reminded of the inherent power we possess to meet all challenges life tosses our way! I was encouraged by the possibilities that life presents! I was humbled by the affirmation that all of us are but spiritual beings on a human journey and therefore connected to each other in ways we may never completely understand.
Of what things were YOU reminded this summer? Have you written them down? Followed through on ideas generated by those reminders? Made your "bucket list?" Re-ordered your personal priorities? Whatever has happened to you this summer, please allow the accompanying reminders to open new doors of opportunity. Treat each day as the gift it is! Do something of eternal significance today!
Peace!
Mark
Copyright 2008 Mark E. Hundley
