LIVE!

When our whole family was here for Christmas, Leslie showed me a website for creating New Years resolution/goals. It talked of using a word to represent what you want to accomplish in the upcoming year. This idea resonated with me, and I’ve spent time thinking about what my word for 2012 would be. First I thought that maybe “limits” or “more” or “less” would be my word. Then I spent a week with Brett and Morena. I learned so much from them during that week, and I knew my word would be “LIVE”.

Live with gratitude.

Live each moment with gusto, i.e. hearty or keen enjoyment.

Live by the Spirit, having faith that the Lord will provide. No need for anxiety or worry.

Live with awareness and purpose.

Morena taught me what it means to live by faith; multiple times during the day, she will start thinking/worrying about something, then she’ll stop and say, “The Lord will provide”, and that’s the end of the worry. And sure enough, the Lord provides. I saw it happen on a daily/hourly basis when I was there. Interesting how you can see it better in others lives than in your own!

Brett taught me about living with gusto. At one point, sitting by his bedside in the hospital, we were talking about things we would enjoy about the resurrection. I was blah-blahing about how I hope there will be musical instruments in heaven. He simply said, “Food”. From that moment until this, and I hope forever, I look at each piece of food that goes into my mouth and appreciate it for Brett. I savor the look and the smell and the taste, and enjoy it the way I imagine he would enjoy it if he could eat.

Corey and Gina taught me about living with tenderness. I will always remember how sweet and loving Corey is with his big brother: rubbing his feet, kissing him when he arrived and left. Gina does the same with Austin. His needs come before hers. We were sitting in a restaurant, so hungry, but Austin ate before she did.

I’m so sad that Brett and his family are suffering, and I want to learn all I can from their experience, so that in some way, it will have had a purpose.

So… LIVE!!