Each Moment

In her book, “When Things Fall Apart,” Pema Chodron tells a powerful story. She wrote:

“I have a friend dying of AIDS. Before I was leaving for a trip, we were talking. He said, ‘I didn’t want this, and I have this, and I was terrified of this. But it turns out that this illness has been my greatest gift.’ He said, ‘Now every moment is so precious to me. All the people in my life are so precious to me. My whole life means so much to me.’ Something had really changed, and he felt ready for his death. Something that was horrifying and scary turned into a gift.”

I have heard many similar stories from friends who have struggled with a terminal illness. Their witness is a powerful reminder to me that life is a precious gift. Our family, our friends, every moment a sheer gift. None of us will be here forever. 

Today, if there are words you need to say, gratitude that you need to express, amends that you need to make, faith you need to embrace – may you not waste another minute. 

And, may you appreciate a little more each hug, each smile, each conversation, each moment.

Let us pray: Loving God, you have created such a beautiful world, such beautiful people. Sometimes we get so caught up in day-to-day life that we miss holy moments – we fail to appreciate all that you have given us and we take it all for granted. 

Lord, I pray that you would give us the ability to live a life based on gratitude. May we never fail to recognize our blessings and reach out beyond ourselves to share from our abundance. Amen.