The meaning of life...

It's been a really tough week for my church family. We lost a beloved member last Sunday and then two more this Monday. It's hard because you grow these relationships over the course of your life and the people you share your time with every week really do become like family. And then, just as with everyone, their time on this earth ends and you're left grieving.

I saw a sign on the way to work today that said "Life is a one time offer; treat it well" and it made thing "Dang, that's so true." You only get one shot at this life. And then that made me start thinking about what kind of stamp I'm leaving on the world. Will people remember me the way I want them to? Or will the remember me as a mean person who didn't like anyone?

Throughout the course of my adult life, I've tried to do charitable things and give to those who are less fortunate than I am. But I also try not to boast about it because that seems pointless. But it makes you wonder if the things you do are noticed by anyone at all. And if they're not, does that really matter?

I don't know what all the answers to life are, but I figure even if nothing I do in this world is ever noticed or is always taken for granted, that's okay because at the end of the day, maybe something I did will change someone's life.

My friend Janet once introduced me to this quote a few years ago, and it makes my heart happy and has been a sort of mantra for me ever since. I hope you see the value of it and try to live your life the way you should -- or the way you feel you should.

"the true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit"
- nelson Henderson