If a person listens well, he or she will hear family and friends reach out in frustration about their lives and how they wish certain areas could be different or regrets that could be erased and relived. Everyone has those thoughts and moments because that is why our spirits were put here in mortal form to live and learn from these experiences. But many times, we are too critical of where our lives are or maybe we don't really take a snapshot of our present time frame in life and recognize how fortunate we are. A close encounter with death happened to me a few years ago that makes me realize why I should share it--since it woke me up to the reality of my life--how to concentrate on my wonderful family and the fact that I am still having Birthdays.
I was eating some chicken for lunch alone at home and watching the news at the same time. It became apparent that I had not chewed very well and a large piece of chicken became lodged in my throat and I could not breath. I stood up and drank some tea but it came back up. I didn't panic "yet" and walked into the kitchen while trying to cough--but couldn't. By now, time was approaching a minute or so and the panic was showing it's presence "clearly". And then it happened. I saw a headline in a paper, "Memphis Man Chokes To Death" and knew immediately , "This is not Good" ! Now I am down to critical seconds and panic has turned into reality with thoughts of how could I have complained about "anything"? But then in what was probably 5 or 10 seconds , I saw a video or newsreel of my life as you would see thousands of frames whizzing by in warped speed. Now I am "Really" saying "This is NOT good" ! But then a thought or a voice said to stick my finger down my throat and throw it up. It worked and I am still here----appreciating life more than ever before and how lucky I am to have my Wife, Daughter, Son, Grandchildren , extended Family, Great friends and the second chance to do some good in this World. I don't wish this experience on anyone but I can assure you there would be less complaining and un-happiness about where you are in life . Most would concentrate on how to improve and appreciate life in general after having it almost taken away.
My friend in Indiana (David Stevenson) gave me an article written by Pastor Jeff Johns on January 10, 1999 that is appropriate for most of us . It is below and I believe is "well worth" reading and living by the life fundamentals described by him.
DIVIDING THE HEART by Pastor Jeff Johns
You can become emotionally and physically exhausted
From concentrating on things you want to have or buy or can't afford
Trapped in a vicious circle,the more you focus on lack,
And what you cannot have,the more depressed you will become,
The more depressed you become, the more you focus on lack.
There is no such thing as financial security when this occurs,
because your soul is crying out,not for financial security but peace
An inner peace that the World or Worldly things cannot take away
Lay down some goals,fears,anxieties, become a seeker,a Pilgrim,a Sojourner,
When you DO then your eyes open,and you will see "MUCH to be Grateful for".
Gratitude is the key to opening and "awakening" the Heart.
Take inventory of Life's assets; Health, Wonderful Spouse, Daughters,Sons
Food in the Pantry, friends who care deeply about us and share in our lives.
Get started,your list will grow,what you sow you will reap.
Give your very best,it will come back to you,
NOW is the moment to live out your own personal beliefs.
Look at life's ledger, you will see that you are rich.
All you are experiencing is a cash flow problem, that's all
You need an inner awareness that your personal net worth
Cannot be determined by the size of your checking account(big or small).
Start giving Thanks for Everything
The Fragrance of my Wife's hair
The smile of my Daughter's face
My Son's Zeal for Action
Grape Jelly and Locust Honey
Every "I Love You"
Give your Life another Glance, pause a moment and give Thanks,
Exchange your need for emotional and financial security for Serenity(Peace)
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Pastor Johns says it all in appreciating what you have and Giving Your Life another Glance AND Chance.
I Hope that this message finds the right time frame in your life or someone else's and can redirect your focus on the right priorities. It seems that we don't "really" realize what we have or how great we have it until it is almost taken away.
Jim Martin--Memphis TN.
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