Get Grounded

Work, kids, wife, house, work, family, kids, cars, money, travel, packed calendar, friends, chapters, work kids, wife, running, eating well, birthdays, work, house issues, kids, kids growing too fast, soccer practice, family, chapters, committees, hours of sleep, friends, keeping updated, no time to relax, kids, work, wife, family, money, hobbies (ha, funny), eating, work, travel, wife, kids, family. 

These are all things I think about probably every hour of the day, if not every minute for some. There are times when you can get caught up in being too busy, too booked with not enough time in the day. These things can build up to be all encompassing f you do not take time to make sure you stay ground in what matters.

Recently, a good friend had some terrible news, the worst kind of news. He has been told by doctors he has a finite amount of time due to a terminal illness. When I heard the news, I was heartbroken, speechless, and did not know what to think. I immediately thought of how he must feel, and though of myself in that situation. I am not certain how I would handle this type of news. One thing is for certain, many of the items listed above became not so important in my mind. It was more like, family, wife, kids and health.

My friend handled the news with dignity and class. He is truly a model of a good man and True Gentleman. I know he must have had a lot of hard days and nights since the diagnosis, but outwardly, he is showing strength, class and helping his own family and friends along the way. He is an inspiration.

This moment was a time for me to be glad I have a friend like him. Treat every day as precious. Treat people kindly. Take nothing for granted. The job, the house, the money, the hours of sleep you get, hobbies, social media, feeling like you have no time. These things have a place in day to day life, but do they keep you grounded? I say no. It is your friends, family and faith that can help keep you grounded. Just make sure you take inventory of how far the important things have fallen down your list. Work to keep the important things high above the fray. Hit your knees and give some thanks. Work to stay grounded.