A friend's mom passed away two days ago after a battle with cancer. The 28 years I have been on this earth have taught me that deep loss is no respector of persons---it eventually comes for each one of us. I've been to more funerals than I can count. I've lost friends and family, both old and very young, to car accidents, illnesses, and suicide. I know that aching, can't breathe feeling as you beg God to spare a life, or help you survive and move on when death has come calling. Sorrow this side of heaven is as much a part of life as breathing. I look around and see a world that is stressed, chaotic, confused, and angry. We rush and push and panic, living for the weekend, the better job, the marriage, the kids to grow up, the bills to be paid, retirement, and the list goes on. Somewhere in the midst of life, we forget to live. We think we will have plenty of time. But then we blink, and it's over--either for us, or a loved one. Life is too short to waste on 'someday'.

Let go of the grudge. Look up a long-lost friend. Sleep outside under the stars.Turn off the smart phone and talk to the person beside you. If you have young children, marvel at their creativity, enthusiasm, joy, and wonder---the dishes and laundry can wait. Go on that adventure you've been dreaming about. Learn a new skill. Befriend people who are different from you, and learn to highly value diversity. Listen. Climb the mountain. Run the marathon. Adopt the shelter dog. Watch the sunrise as often as possible. Dance in the rain. Travel. Spend time with the elderly and very young---both groups have much to teach us. Read. Play music. Paint. Take pictures. Climb trees. Plant a garden. Learn to cook. Make a quilt. Laugh loud and long, giggle, or at least indulge in a hearty chuckle---in other words, lighten up! 

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 Go to the symphony. Keep in touch with people. Act in the play. Host a slumber party complete with popcorn, old black and white movies, and sleeping bags. Build something---a home, a table, a birdhouse. Literally stop and smell the roses, honeysuckle, or whatever lovely flower happens to be nearby. Take a road trip. Express gratitude. Buy the plane ticket. Encourage. Hug your friends and family every chance you get. Let people know you care because 'someday' will eventually arrive and there will be no more time on this earth to say, "I love you."