"Life Goes On"

“Life goes on.”  I have heard this phrase my entire life. No matter what may be going on in your own life, the world around us never stops.

Over the course of the past few weeks, our family has dealt with some serious health concerns. First CJ tore something in his knee, making it very painful for him to walk. As a mailman, this was not good news, as he spends most of his days walking door to door. Although he was off of work for a week, he is still trying to get answers from the doctors as to what exactly is wrong with his knee, and how it can be fixed.

I became very ill with bronchitis, trying my best to keep it from becoming pneumonia and landing myself in the hospital. I succeeded, but it took me two full weeks to recover. The prolonged illness took its toll on my body, leaving me exhausted for another week.

A week and a half ago, TC started to feel ill. His fever continually spiked, which concerned JP and me. We finally took him to the hospital, where they diagnosed him with pneumonia. After a five day stay, we finally have him home again with strict orders to rest and recuperate. Finally, life is beginning to get back to normal on our little homestead.

While we have been preoccupied with injuries and illnesses, the world has not stopped for us. The sun continued its daily trek across the sky, people still went to work, the flowers and trees started to bud. The world stops for no one.

Except, here is the thing. While the world does not stop, we may make the choice to stop. We may choose to get off the world’s merry-go-round for a few turns and do some good for the people around us that have no choice but to stop.

We can do this with random acts of kindness. With taking time to sit and visit with those that really want company or need to vent. With a few lines of encouragement written in a note, an email, or a Facebook message. With a phone call to check up on someone that you know has been ill for a lengthy amount of time.

Stopping your world for another person does take some time, effort, or money. However, the joy that you may bring to that person and their family is unfathomable. The encouragement to know that someone, or multiple someones, care is sometimes all it takes for a person to fight to get better.

While our family was fighting through injuries and illness, countless friends, acquaintances, and even strangers encouraged us through visits, phone calls, get well cards, messages, and even a meal. These interactions with our family meant the world to us. They encouraged us. They brightened our days. They made us feel loved.

Today I challenge you to step up to the task and step out of the world, even if only for a few minutes. Send a card, type a text, order flowers, make a meal, stop by and visit a lonely friend. Take the time to make a difference.

Live your life to the fullest by sharing your life with others. For doing so may change your entire perspective.

Have a lovely day my friends. Today, choose joy by actively seeking out someone that needs a bit of encouragement. Your rewards will be far greater than you could have ever imagined.

As Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

~Annie