Saturday, February 1, 2020

Setting Things Straight

     The recent and tragic deaths of beloved basketball legend Kobe Bryant, his lovely daughter and seven other beautiful souls shocked the world. It gives us pause and fills us with awe as we remember the words of the good book, "We know not the day nor the hour."

     For us as parents who have already lost children, it brings back many painful memories. We can relate as two other teenage girls were killed in that terrible accident along with Bryant's daughter--one young lady with her parents and the other sweet girl who was not accompanied by a parent.

     The shock of this tragedy set me to further thinking how since life is so unpredictable and our futures are not guaranteed, we need to examine our relationships. Are they in order or in a state of neglect or worse yet, estranged?

     Can we afford to spend time away from those who would like to support us in our grief? Can we try to maintain some contact and not isolate ourselves in our sorrow and our anger? No big social events. Take a walk around the block. Talk to a neighbor or two. Answer the phone, an email, a text. Go out to lunch if someone asks you. Go to a different church with a friend if going to your own church makes you cry. Do these small things as it is not good to be alone.

     Can we afford to let more sunsets go down on our anger with one or more individuals and let our wounds fester? Can we reach out with an apology to straighten things out before it might be too late. A phone call, a letter, an email--if not reciprocated, at least you know you tried.

     Can we afford to let old friendships and relationships die of neglect only to regret later we hadn't got back in touch to revive old memories and good feelings. We all need love and good times and lasting memories. You never know where you can find a revived friendship and mutual source of support in a difficult world. No harm in reaching out.

     May God guide you in your quest and bring you love and support.

No comments:

Post a Comment