Life is short.  Painstakingly short.  Like, you blink and it’s gone short.  I remember being a kid and thinking “I can’t wait to grow up!”.  Now that I’m a grown up, I just wish I could go back to being a kid again.  Being an adult isn’t easy.  It’s honestly not even that much fun.  You’ve got bills, responsibilities, relationships, and stress.  Lots of stress.  But you know what I think is the worst part of being an adult?  The fact that you realize you’re mortal.  You realize everyone around you is mortal too.  You begin losing people you hold dear.  Grandparents, parents, friends, sometimes even children tragically.  With each loss, it seems as though something in you is lost as well.

Today, I learned of yet another friend’s passing.  Seems as though those have been coming more frequently these days.  He wasn’t my best friend, brother, father, son, or cousin.  But he was each of those things to someone.  Each time we lose someone, I’m left with a lot of lingering questions.  Is there something someone could have done?  What would I do if I were in the position of their mother/daughter/spouse/friend?  Did he/she know how much they were loved?  What things did they want to do that they’ll never have the chance to do?

I think we spend alot of time just trying to keep our heads above water whilst adulting.  So much so that we often forget to interact appropriately with those who mean the most to us.  So if you love someone, tell them.  If you’re feeling hurt, talk about it so you can receive healing.  If you’re angry, let it out, fix it, but don’t let that anger take root within you.  If you’re scared, remember that you’re not alone.  Remember that your circumstances do not define you.  You are in charge of your own happiness.  The opinions of others does not determine your worth.

Help the homeless.  Volunteer.  Eat the cake.  Dance in the rain.  Sing the song.  Audition for the play.  Try out for the team.  Apply for the job.  Give love a chance.  Take the trip.  Call your mom.  Hug your children.  Say I’m sorry.  Forgive.  Laugh.  Smile. Cry.  Know you are loved by someone (probably many someones).  Know you are needed.  Know that this world is better because you are in it.  Know that you have to make it past the storm to see the rainbow.  Know that Jesus loves you!

Do all the things you want to do because not a single one of us is promised tomorrow.  I’ll say it again.  LIFE.IS.SHORT.  ❤