Perspective

Sometimes God sends me a wake-up call.  It's not the kind that's really loud and obnoxious - you know - the kind you want to slap!  It's the still, soft call that leaves you down on your face covered in humility wake-up call.  That's what I got tonight.

Robin told me about a stop he had to make today at work.  He had to go to a client's home on the far side of Houston to check on a job that his company is completing.  This man - Robin said - is about our age. (late 50's - but not really really late!)  When Robin went in to talk with the man he saw the man's wife laying in a hospital bed in the living room.  The man told Robin that she was in the last stages of brain cancer and hospice was there....along with several other family members.  Robin told him how sorry he was about his wife.  The man said, "yes it's sad".  Then he told Robin that their 39th wedding anniversary was coming up in August.  Robin then told the man, "that's funny (not the ha!ha! kind of funny) but my wife and I just celebrated our 39th this past week."  I thought it was strange that the man was having some rotten siding replaced on the exterior of his home and a few trees pruned (since hurricane season is upon us).  I told Robin how strange that this man was having this work done while his wife was in her last few days.  Robin said, "well, I guess life just has to move on".  He's right.  The day we're dying - our loved ones will still need to make sure the grass gets mowed, groceries get bought, put gas in the car, and just keep on keeping on!

But the thing that hit me was how often I complain.  Example - I complain about apt living issues, job issues, checkbook balance issues, getting old issues, weather issues, kid issues, and lots of other no-big-deal issues.  But funny thing (not the ha!ha! kind of funny), I've never once complained about cancer issues.  Because I've never had cancer.  You know - the big "C" as some people refer to it.  The issue that could cause you to die and will definitely cause you significant pain - even if you live.  I know my piddly little issues are nothing in the big picture.  Yes, God got my attention....again.  We (me & God) have to play this Perspective Game a lot!  Today I'm thankful for my apt living issues, job issues, checkbook balance issues, getting old issues, weather issues, kid issues, and lots of other no-big-deal issues!  I'm thankful that I've never had the "C" issue.  Thank you God for perspective.