Life is Shorter Than We Think

"Tomorrow is never promised, so love and appreciate the people who are in your life."

--Me

Dennis and I just came back from a wonderful, refreshing vacation at the Oregon Coast. It was the first vacation that we took in over a year.  We didn't have cell service much of the time and that turned out to be a blessing.

When we did get our service back, we heard about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Dennis and I didn't have words. How does that happen in the United States of America? It's heartbreaking. 

Sometimes news hits us hard — someone we know, someone we follow, or someone in our community is suddenly gone. In those moments, I’m reminded that life is short and precious, and it changes how I love the people closest to me. Holding that truth close helps me love more intentionally, listen better, and treasure the people in my life in deeper ways. 

We never know which day will be ordinary — until it isn’t. This reminded me of a story that I told first in 2021. I think it bears repeating again. 

Dennis found this story on Facebook when we were fighting Covid together:  

A good friend of mine unexpectedly lost her husband. A couple of months later we were running together, chatting about nothing. She asked what my dinner plans were and I told her hubby wanted chili, but I didn't feel like stopping at the store. We ran a few more minutes when she quietly said, "Make the chili."

It took me a few minutes to realize that we were no longer talking about dinner. It was about going out of your way to do something for someone you love because at any moment, they could unexpectedly be taken from you. 

So today I'm sharing with you that wisdom handed to me by my dear friend, that I've thought of many times since that day. Next time someone you love wants you to go for a walk or watch a football game or play a board game, or just put down your phone and give them your undivided attention, just do it. Make the chili.

Love deeply and unselfishly. 

Who needs to know how much you love and appreciate them? Tell them today.

I appreciate you!

Jan