I have been reading a book that my sister gave to me. It is called "15 Secrets to a Happy Home" by Janene Wolsey Baadsgaard . I'd like to share a little excerpt with you.
"I once attended a funeral for a man who lived in my neighborhood. During this man's funeral a short talk was given that changed my life. The man who died taught my class in Sunday School and I enjoyed his lessons immensely. He always taught with an extra dimension of originality, and then topped it off with a sense of humor. His terminal cancer was untimely. He was leaving behind a new wife and young son. Before he died, he asked me if I'd sing at his funeral. Before I could answer, I bawled. He tried to comfort me and told me he was at peace.
"I'll miss snuggling in bed at night with my wife and watching my little boy grow up," he said. "But I trust God. I know everything will turn out all right."
A friend of this man was asked to give a talk at his funeral. While I was sitting near the podium after singing the requested musical number, this friend walked haltingly to the microphone. He shook with emotion as he stood awkwardly at the pulpit preparing to begin. Whenever he tried to speak a flood of emotion would overwhelm him. He'd pull himself together before he'd try again. This happened over and over for a good five minutes. Five minutes behind a pulpit without saying anything tends to get the audience's attention. We were all praying for him. Finally this man was able to utter three words. Those three words changed my life.
"He loved me," this friend said with tears streaming down his face.
That was all he was able to utter before he sat down. Those three words were the sole text of the most beautiful sermon I've ever heard. It occurred to me that if someone could say those three words about me when I died, I will have lived a meaningful life. I'd previously thought my value depended on how many people loved me,not how many people I loved. Because of that talk I realized that love loses its power when we expect something back. We love best when we let go expectations of what we want in return. Since that day at the funeral, I made a decision to live the rest of my life as a student studying the miracle of love."
She continues with ideas of things to 'practice' or do. One of which was to 'really listen' at the next funeral you attend. Listen to what is being said about the departed and determine to change your focus to what matters most in life. Interesting, since Saturday many of us will have the opportunity to see President Hinckley's funeral via radio, tv, internet, or in person (if you are lucky enough to get tickets)
Another suggestion is to write your own obituary then live the rest of your life to fulfill what you said about yourself.
I read this early this morning. I've been contemplating it off and on through out the day. It wasn't until just now that I sat down at the computer to get some work done that I recieved an e-mail of a video. Interesting how things sometimes come together. I want to share this video with you, because I think it will change the way you feel about your life. The link I got in the e-mail was not real good. It took a long time and a lot of patience to view. So, I found another place to see it where it is much better and doesn't stop every 5 seconds. Stay with me here. If you click here it will take you to Oprah.com once there, you will have to do a search for "The last lecture" At the top of the list, click on "Professor Randy Paucsh's last lecture" when the pictures come up, scroll to about half way down the page and click on "watch the video" Sorry I couldn't link it any better, but I promise you, if you take the time to watch it, It will change your life.
I think it's good for us every so often to just take a look at life. To just think about it and really put it in perspective. What really is important?
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