Something about my character is very task-oriented. I often overlook opportunities to connect with people because I am focused on checking something off my list. I find myself focused on the future and where I will be in 5, 10 or 20 years. Am I on track? Am I doing my best to be in God's will?
This month, I've felt my focus changing. Suddenly the tasks don't mean so much anymore. Living in the moment, loving someone by finding out more about them, pausing to make someone's day better...those are the important things.
What's caused this change? You can probably guess. It usually has this affect on people. It brings us to a sudden stop and forces us to refocus. It's death. Twice this month I have experienced the sudden death of someone in my circle of acquaintance. Without warning, they are gone.
One day I'm shaking her hand, the next day there's a story of the accident in the paper.
One night we're playing music, praising God together, the next day someone says, "Did you hear?"
People say it all the time in these circumstances. "You never know when. Makes you realize what's really important." I know in my head it's true. Then it happens close to me. Twice. Now I feel it.
So now I wrestle with this question.....When I get to my future, what have I gained? Something else to check off the list? And have I missed the people along the way?
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