The Sunny Side of Life

This morning I was watching the news and the top story was about a fatal car crash that happened early this morning in which two teenagers lost their lives. It turns out after seeing the car and hearing the names, that I know the parents of one of the teens that was killed. Their family attends Mt. Hermon, a camp we go to every year and my dad was friends with this boy's father growing up. If you say a prayer tonight say one for their family!

It just got me thinking how life is so short and we never know how long we have. Here was a boy 18 years old just starting out his life and now its over. It really helps but things in perspective! The "things" that we think are so important; cell phones, computers, i-pods, and fancy cars in the end really don't mean a thing. Its our loved ones and the times we spend with them that are life's true gifts. So the next time you think I've got to get the next best gadget or I have to get my "to do list" done, forget about it!!! Take you children, friend, or loved one and go for a walk or just spend time talking with them. Treasure those moments and hold them close to your heart.

Below is a article I found on another blog and it really hit home what I am trying to say!

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 Hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes. The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and Favorite passions--things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.' If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. So... Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play With your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. 'Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that Really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.' One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked'. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'