Oh the lessons, Dad….

This past week I was reminded again of the life lesson that every day is a gift. Last Sunday, I listened to a podcast about Mike Weaver from the band Big Daddy Weave dealing with his brother’s, Jay Weaver, passing. Mike talked about how we do not know what tomorrow brings, but we should not live each day out of obligation. He said God laid heavy on his heart to replace the word obligation with the word privileged. The mundane tasks that we do every day or every week, like driving kids to activities, lessons, etc., is a privilege. We need to wake up every day saying, “thank you Lord for giving us this gift of a brand new day” before our feet hit the floor.

Also on Sunday the 20th, I read a Facebook post about a close friend passing away. I am not sure about all of the details, but it was quite a shock and truly a reminder that every day is a gift. When I read the Facebook post I did not want to believe it. I actually went to the friend’s Facebook page to read until I found a credible source (someone I personally knew) posting this terrible news. How could she be gone? How could this be true? My heart was breaking for her family. I wanted to reach out to them; however, it had been quite a few years since I had last spoken to them. I wasn’t sure if I had correct contact info. It had been six months since I last spoke to my friend. Why do we take each new day for granted? Why do we take time with family and friends for granted?

I want to thank my friend for this reminder that I am not obligated to check off items on my to-do list. However, I am privileged to make those check marks and I am going to make sure to add one more item in my weekly planner. Reach out (not a text message, but a phone call) to one family member or friend each week. We don’t know how much time we have with them. I am not going to take for granted that time that God has blessed me with. I hope you helped throw an awesome welcome home party for my friend, Dad. Love you!