Wednesday, April 27, 2011

'W' is for Wishes...

A to Z Challenge:
ABC's of My Life...


If you are similar to me, I catch myself wishing my life away; ‘I wish it were Friday!” or ‘I wish it was time for vacation!’


What I realized of late while I’m ‘wishing ‘for alternatives, I’m not actively seeking or doing much at all rather hoping for life to be different, to be something it is not. It’s at these particular times; a great deal of energy is being expended toward a negative counter-productive direction as well as being optimistic in my mind that life will change on its own accord. This desire catches me at a time when I'm not fully present or engaged in a life I've been given.


Within the past couple months I’ve connected with a wonderful little boy named Jack who for 5 years, 4 months, 8 days of his eight years of life has struggled with Stage IV, High Risk Neuroblastoma. Debra of http://fourangelsmomma.blogspot.com/ spoke of him on her blog and of course, I lost my heart to his family. I am an unknown to them but I follow their plight at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/campjack and the heartbreaking story of Jack and his family as his health declines day by day, moment by moment.


It is upon reading and understanding of Jack’s arduous days and of hearing how his mother clings to each moment, each minute, each second that remains with Jack that offered me the deep realization that our days are numbered. Just the idea of a mother whispering farewell to her young child is unfathomable-the jolt immeasurable.


Therefore, it is with this thought that admittedly has accompanied me before- that I hope to enjoy THIS day, THIS Wednesday, two days from Friday and not hope for time not yet promised.


I WISH for you the same; good, bad or indifferent moments, they are periods of time we have accessible to us on this given day!

“Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.”

By Epicitus

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Living with an illeness or in my case, several, I've learned not to wish away time. I'm trying to re-embrace the moments, good or bad, happy or sad... it all adds up to what is really important. We are only borrowed this time. Wonderful post. Tammy

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Wow! Thank you. You always come through with such thought provoking postings. As I embark on a major life change, I too, wish for completion, for the final outcome, for things to work out...and meanwhile, I spend hours, days, and weeks, worrying and missing life! Grace is understanding that living in the moment is "life".
Hugs,
Courtney

TexWisGirl said...

"a tranquil flow of life" - now THAT'S a perfect wish...

Anonymous said...

Each moment is a gift. Thank you for sharing Tracy.

Out on the prairie said...

a very meaningful post

Mollye said...

Oh Tracy, What a beautiful post. I will be praying for Jack and his mommy too. Thank you for sharing their story. Tracy you have such a beautiful heart. Sometimes it truly takes a tragedy for us to fully appreciate "today". So glad you found it before such an event. Hugs, Mollye

Nancy said...

I seem to find joy in the small things these days -- my photography, my pets, cooking, flowers, birds, hanging out the laundry.

I think I figured out that life is mostly made up of these little things. Might as well make the most of them. :)

Thoughtful post, Tracy.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Yes! The bible tells us to number our days aright. One person I knew was always waiting for this, or waiting for that, she left for appointments very early and then came home early. When she was home she wanted to be there, and when she was there she wanted to be home. But the sad part was that the present slid right past her. She never really lived, at least not in the moment. They don't call it the present for nothing, because it is a gift. This very moment is the only one we can be sure of having. I'm really thinking of that now, because tornado watch till two A.M., they are telling people not to go to sleep tonight!

Wanda's Wings said...

I remember wishing it was Friday for years. I look at life so differently after losing my youngest child when he was in his twenties. We never know what tomorrow will bring. We need to love like there is no tomorrow and give of ourselves to others. We are only guaranteed this day and we need to make it the best day we can everyday.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, I'm SO behind on my comments this week... We've had terrible storms all day... It's disheartening to say the least. I will try to catch up soon....

I love this post... I think you and I are alot alike --since we 'wish' we could help EVERYONE. I allow myself to get caught up in the lives of people --some I know and some I don't. We hurt for those we don't even know. I can watch reunions or things like that on TV --and just WEEP.....

But --we also do alot of other 'wishing'... I 'wish' things had been different. I 'wish' it would quit raining...ha ha... I 'wish' I was skinny.... Oh Well--guess we'll just wish away our lives. ha

Hugs,
Betsy

Unknown said...

Tracy, having walked i Jack's Mother's shoes ... I understand completely both sides of 'wishing'.

Thank you for your sweet visit.
Have a beautiful eve ~
TTFN ~
Marydon

Author Joshua Hoyt said...

Great point. It is important to live in the moment and not always be looking to the future. Thanks for the reminder.

Sylvia K said...

Each moment is indeed a gift and I try to remember that each day! Sometimes it is easier than others! Thank you for your beautiful reminder!

Sylvia

Karen Mortensen said...

Thank you. Wonderful comments and good words for thought.

Kay Dennison said...

My life is testimony to "When the going gets tough the tough get going." Yeah, I whine now and again but I only allow it for a limited and then it's back to getting on with my life. We each have our burdens and some are heavier than others.

Pitterle Postings said...

Wonderful post today. so thought provoking. Made me want to rush in the girl's room and hug them tight and hold them close for a little bit longer. Time is so very short. Every moment is a beautiful gift.

Shay said...

What a wonderful way to approach each day Tracy. I too am guilty of wishing for Friday , for tomorrow , for riches and for many other things. If we all lived much more in the moment , Im sure we would find pleasure in every day things more often !

Bobbie said...

I'm guilty of wishing my life away as well. What a beautiful post, Tracy!! This one will certainly make me think.

Jules said...

Overwhelming thoughts to say the least. Sometimes our wishes are because we cannot tell the grass is no greener... A big hug my friend, wonderful post.
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Arkansas Patti said...

I needed this when I turned 60 and then wished away the next 2 years in anticipation of retiring. What did I do with those two years? I can't remember. Great post.

Rae said...

Thank you for the reminder how precious and short life is. I find myself rushing time- even though know I should slow down and be grateful...

Old Kitty said...

Thank you for this very thoughtful and thought-provoking post. I think that's why I love animals so much. They live for the here and now, for the moment and want for nothing but food, shelter, love, play, safety.

Take care
x

Talli Roland said...

What a great reminder, Tracy. I'm very guilty of wishing away my life. I need to live more in the moment.

I *do* wish my blog would come back again, though!

My blog's disappeared so my temporary home is here!

Dianne said...

what a wonderful post Tracy
thank you
the quote is perfect

Bossy Betty said...

You are absolutely right! We need to keep our perspective and realize how each day is precious.

Rita said...

You have a gift with words Tracy that I always enjoy reading. I also love the quotes that you include; they always make me go back to read them one more time. Thank you.
Rita

Dawn said...

COMPLETELY perfect post! Thanks for the reminder.....it's a good habit to get into- thinking this way!!!!
THANK YOU!

Tiggeriffic said...

I love caring bridge. After having our daughter in law die with terminal cancer awhile ago. We used caring bridge and what a wonderful site to go to when something like this happens.
I wrote down the sites you listed to read about Jack and I will be in prayer for him and his family.
I love your blog and love to read what you have to say each time. God loves us all so much and he does answer prayer.. Have you read the book called "Heaven is for real"...? it's a marvelous book..
Ta ta for now from Iowa:)

Connie said...

Great post, Tracy. It would do us all well to remember to live in the moment more. :-)

Donnie said...

What a lovely post and so thoughtful. Take care.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Hey Tracy! I just got back from Nezzie's blog. Needless to say, I was so excited that you won the giveaway!!! Just popped over to say congradulations!!!

Susan Fields said...

What a lovely post, and such a great reminder to all of us to appreciate what we've been given - very well said!

Brian's Home Blog said...

How very, very true! We all need to take this message to heart and enjoy each and every moment!

PK HREZO said...

A wise Epicitus verse. How tragic to be in that mom's shoes. Ugh, it just breaks my heart. I cannot begin to imagine the heartache. I'll remember them in my prayers. Thanks for letting us know about them.

Corine Moore said...

Excellent reminders, told in such a beautiful way. Thanks! :D