“The only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision.” —Helen Keller
Nothing stays the same forever. Everything changes—sometimes slowly, sometimes suddenly.
This past summer, I spent some time away from home. We visited family in Nebraska and South Dakota and enjoyed a few nights in Colorado. Our trip was lovely. I’m thankful to have such a family where even ten days together seems too short.
There were many enjoyable and memorable moments during our trip, but there is one 24-hour period that sticks out to me. In the span of one short day during our visit to South Dakota, three distinct events occurred.
First, I helped my 92-year old grandfather maneuver into his home in his wheelchair. Last December, while at work, he fell and broke his femur. His healing continues but with various setbacks. Doctors are confident he will walk again, but it will be another 5-6 months. In the meantime, he still works full-time—but with considerable inconvenience. This was the first time I had seen firsthand the full extent of his injuries.
Second, I drove past the home of Don Meyer. Don Meyer, a close family friend, was once the all-time winningest college basketball coach. One month ago today, at the age of 69, Don lost his battle with cancer. His cancer was first discovered in 2008 following a car accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg. He is survived by his wife, Carmen, who now lives in their home alone.
Third, while driving to my brother’s house later that evening, I came upon an awful car accident with crushed automobiles, injured bodies, and deep pain. The scene was hard for anyone to witness. The physical and emotional pain will continue for the drivers—and extend almost certainly to their families as well.
24 hours. Three unique stories. Each with little in common except for one life-transforming thread: Sometimes events happen in the blink of an eye that change the course of our lives forever.
When we least expect it, tragedy can strike. And it often does, in an instant. With little to no warning, our lives are turned upside-down forever.
I was reminded this past summer that nobody is guaranteed their health for another day—it can be taken suddenly by accident or diagnosis. Nobody is guaranteed the presence of their spouse for another day. None of us are even guaranteed breath in the morning.
The foolish scoff at this pronouncement assuming tragedy will never strike. Those in denial will refuse to accept it or simply try to change the subject.
But those who recognize and accept the truth that life is fragile live their lives fully in light of it. (tweet that)
Those who understand life can be changed forever in the blink of an eye will seek to:
- Find joy and gratitude in their present blessings. They will recognize every good thing in life is a fragile gift.
- Remove fleeting pursuits. Our lives are too valuable to waste chasing and maintaining unneeded possessions.
- Overcome the past and not make assumptions about the future. Instead, they will live each day in the present.
- Make the most of every opportunity. Forgive who needs to be forgiven. Express love and gratitude to those who deserve to hear it.
- Live lives of significance. Each new day is an opportunity to make a difference. Don’t waste it.
Our lives are fragile. They can change in an instant. Live today in light of this truth—and carry no regrets.
Cheryl says
If you open your eyes wide you will see enough to make sense of the world. Thank you for the wonderful reminder to live every day with enjoyment.
Kathy says
If this had one of those little Facebook icons I would share it on Facebook. Great post. Great reminder. Thanks.
Nancy says
If you follow Joshua on Facebook, you can share. I do and many now follow him daily! His posts are so positive and easy to understand and relate to.
BrownVagabonder says
You are so right… Things change so quickly. We imagine that things will stay the same forever. But rudely we are awakened when something happens to change our lives and the lives of the people around us. This reminder to be conscious forever so we do not fall asleep on the wheels of our lives, and are aware so that we are more prepared for anything that befalls us, is crucial. Thank you for the post.
Shannon says
My father suffered a massive heart attack 2 1/2 weeks ago. In the blink of an eye, he was gone… No more breath to be had.
Hug your loved ones. Live for today.
Thanks for this post.
Marisol Doyle says
It is true that life and all in it that encompasses is…. our jobs…our family…friends…the only certainty is The Lord Jesus Christ who is my refuge, my Rock, my delivery. Right now I need His help, His intervention, and I´ll appreciate your prayers.
I´m sorry about your grandpa…what a gift God gave him…90 and working full time___ wow!
I need to learn from him!
God is using his grandson amazingly! What an abundant life. Find myself pondering the plans of God…some people for generations ´got it´what life is for…
My favorite part of yoru evens and vacation is the gift to be 10 days and it was still too short the time shared with your famiy.
ccattwood says
This hit home so hard. I had been trying to live more fully in the moment for a long time, but it took me being laid up for 6 months last year post surgery and the death of a dear friend, one of many gone too soon from my circle of friends to make the pivotal changes in my life:
~ purging useless, draining clutter from my life to allow me to fully and freely LIVE, as we never know when things may change.
~downsizing home to allow more freedom to serve others, travel, work less, live simply, etc.
This blog cemented it for me last year, and Joshua keeps on encouraging me, and there is no going back. God bless!
Linda@Creekside says
In one split second, everything we prize can be taken away.
I guess we have to figure out what we value most. And be sure that we’re valuing it, cherishing it, nurturing it.
And figure out if it’s worth dying for …
Judy says
Hi Joshua—
I was orphaned by 13, so I’ve been aware of that fact from the start. My sister always told me that none of us are promised tomorrow. I like to call it ” A New York Minute.” In a New York minute, everything can change.
Thanks for being here. :)
sandy says
Wonderful post!! What I needed to read today.
Sebastian Aiden Daniels says
It is very eye opening to see how life can change in an instant through a person’s death or a natural disaster etc. I think it is easy to ignore the fact that we are all going to die soon. If we start every day with the thought that this could be my last, then it really makes you appreciate each moment more.
I like to regularly and consciously reach out to various people in my life and tell them why I love them and that I am grateful for that.