A Sister's Word

Years ago, but not so long as to forget, my sister shared a word of with me that remains lodged in the old gray matter where memories are kept.    It is brought to the surface whenever I find myself in one of those expressway traffic jams where movement is measured not by the miles traveled, but the minutes delayed.  As we were talking that day I said that something about the way the early morning traffic snarl had messed up her day only to hear her say, "My day was much better than those in the accident that delayed us."      

Perspective is an important issue in life.  It is one our impatience, our endless hurrying, and our sense of self importance often obscures.  Being delayed or even being late is not nearly as big an issue as going to the hospital, or to the funeral home.  Sometimes we forget about what is going on with others because of some inconvenience which hinders us.     

There are times when praying about what cannot be seen ahead is a thing to do.  And within that prayer of intercession for another's pain, there surely is time for moments of gratitude to God for the safe place in which we find ourselves.  Whenever we leave home for the road, there is always danger around us and safe journeys are too often taken for granted.   A different perspective about the fragile and uncertain nature of life would no doubt be a step forward for all of us.