“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.
Doreen Pierson says
My best friend found out she had cancer in January and by May she was gone. Only 53, full of life. I was there when she passed away, and I think about her often. She lived life to the fullest, had rid herself of most of her possessions, and was traveling around the US in her motor home when she got diagnosed. She taught me so much in her living and in her dying. Life is a precious gift, never take it for granted.
Chris Miller says
An important lesson and Don Meyer was such a good guy – still remember many of his chapel talks from DLU.
Katie Bennett says
Life is hard and short and tragic, but there is the firm hope of eternal life through Jesus.
Does it really matter if you fully enjoyed each moment and lived your life with purpose when it will pass and not be remembered by anyone? Personally, I feel it does not not.
The only true hope is found in Jesus. In Him our lives can hold eternal significance.
Ailson De Moraes says
But remember, Jesus had a truly purpose in this planet! And he didn’t give up! He was a servant leader!
We are all here to serve humanity
Be a servant and you will fulfil your real dreams!
Jane says
Excellent post! It wasn’t until my early twenties when two of my friends died (one in a car accident, the other from an acute cancer) that I realized how fragile life is. It was after these losses that I discovered minimalism, which has significantly changed my life for the better. Focusing on what is important and appreciating what I have (rather than focusing on material items and what I don’t have) has helped me enjoy good times, get through difficult times, help others, and not take my loved ones for granted.
Thank you for all of your truly inspiring posts!
Gillie says
It is hard to live in the present. We are conditioned to live in the past (when everything was so much worse/so much better depending on your family circumstances) by our families and the future by big business for whom it is vital that we strive for more and look to the day when “it will all be perfect”. The truth is that it never has and never will be perfect it will be what we make it and if we are so busy looking for perfection we will lack the time to make the most of what we have right now.
Cate says
You have family in South DUHkota? I live here and HATE it! BUT, if you would like to buy a beautiful home in the Black Hills, I have one you can buy cheaply. We moved here from beautiful Colorado (Boulder). This place has been nothing but hell for us since we moved here. I have developed cancer and undergone radiation for the last two years. I just started on chemo this past week. I want OUT of this hell hole so I can get back to civilization. We have tried to sell our home for 7 years but the housing economy is so depressed here that no one is buying. I am so frustrated and tired of being STUCK with EIGHT MONTHS of winter hell, that I am considering just letting the house go. Every winter I cry at the thought of another 8 months of sheer hell, stuck in a house because the weather and damn hill we live on is so hard to get out of and down and not being able to do a thing about it. So, please…you want to be able to visit your family in South DUHkota more often, buy our house!!!
Steve says
Most people would love to live in the Hills. Banana belt of SD. Low taxes. Are you aware vitamin D helps the wire time blues?
jill britz says
on father’s day, we took our family of 4 small children to a graduation party. cake, bbq, iced tea, kids blowing bubbles & running with the wind. as i studied, absentmindedly, the obligatory bulletin board of pictures, it occurred to me that this young man, the youngest of five boys, was little once, like my kids.
his mama had been me, 25 years ago.
whether time changes in the blink of an eye, or it slowly morphs into the rest of forever, it DOES change. i don’t want to miss, for one more moment, what i have here & now with my four little kids, the youngest crawling across my chest as i reply to this post.
becoming a minimalist myself has been absolutely key to not missing any more of these sweet bits.
Danny Gavin says
Great article, I found this to be inspiring.
Laura says
I really enjoyed reading this post in particular. Living in the present has become a big part of my life, as I used to live for the ‘future’ and planning for what may or may not happen. Life is so temporary and can change at any time like you said, enjoy each moment.
Gladys (The Pinay Mom) says
Great post! I met people whose lives changed so fast. Like in an instant. One who spent years in school just to get a good paying job then got hurt at work and now she stays home. Time goes so fast and before we know it,everything changed.
Ailson De Moraes says
Remind your friend:
We are all here to serve humanity
Be a servant and you will fulfil your real dreams!