Thursday, September 18, 2008

Insignificant

The other day I reached into the oven to pull out our dinner. The potholder I was using to protect my hand had been sitting on top of a pot. I think it had gotten a little wet from some steam. Within seconds of me touching the pan, I dropped it back down.

I had burned my finger.
It hurt like crazy, yet at the same time I couldn't help but think at how insignificant my pain was compared to The Nielson's. I know that my blog, as of late, has almost always consisted of Stephanie and Christian...but really I can't seem to get them out of my thoughts.

I have known Christian (or should I Chris...that is what we called him then) since I was in elementary school. He was one of the cute guys at school that every girl (including me) liked. When we 'graduated' from Elementary school we went off to different Junior highs, but met up again in High School. We were never super good friends. We didn't hang out on the weekends, but he was a nice guy. I always considered him a friend.

Last October we had our 10 Year Reunion, and I was able to be a little invovled in the planning process. Christian was our Senior Class President so we were able to catch up a little then. I had come across Stephanies blog a little prior to that, and had fun reading about their family. I was impressed at the things they did as parents to instill traditions in their children. I, myself, want to give my children that same type of security, and strength that comes from creating traditions the kids can look forward to each year. As I read more, I admired Stephanie for her view of life. She has a great way of looking at the positive sides of life. I think I was even jeolous of how joyful she could be when it came to being a mom (because let's face it...it is not always fun!). I met her in person at our reunion, and she was just as sweet in person.
Even though it has been a month since the crash, I think about them every single day. I pray for their children, and families. Last week we went to the "Hope Concert." I was glad that we went, and was amazed at the outpouring of love for these two people. It made me wonder what people would say and do if something like this happened to me and Shawn. Have we lived our lives in such a way that we create such a response? I wonder whose lives I have touched...has it been for good? I know I could do better, but sometimes it is easier to not try so hard.

So for now, I will commit to holding my head a little higher, looking for the positive, hugging my children longer, loving my husband better, and praying for those who need my help. I want to be better, to try harder, to really appreciate all that my Heavenly Father has given me. This whole event has opened my eyes to things that I have taken for granted.

Because really...my life is wonderful. My trials are easy and insignificant compared to others. I am blessed beyond words.

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tammy said...

Huge coincidence because I too thought of them as I burned my arm on the oven door this past week. Something so painful but so small comparedly. Her life and attitude is very inspiring even now. There are so many going through so much right now, and I often have the same thoughts you've expressed here. We never know what's down the road for us, and how fast things can change.

Great post.

KellyAnn said...

I am so sorry about your friends and the trials they have had. You know, it always takes someone elses pain and suffering for us to realize that what we have is not so bad.

I am sorry for your finger though. Burns hurt.

sherry said...

I can't get them off of my mind either, and I didn't even know them. Sometimes I give Bro. Kineard's daughter a ride home, and it makes me teary. I have read Stephanie's blog all the way back to the beginning. My sister asked me if she was really so different from the rest of us mormon mommy bloggers, and I had to say absolutely. Totally different. Makes me want to be a better person too. Although I may be somewhat protecting myself by being mediocre. It seems this stuff only happens to the really really good ones ;)

Jamie said...

Very sweet.Thanks for those thoughts and feelings. A great reminder to all of us off how good we really have it.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

I often wonder what kind of mark I leave on people too. I think that is normal for us to hope that we are a positive influence.
So how are they doing? Are things looking better for them?

Andrea said...

I LOVE hearing your feelings about this! I wonder all the time if I'm doing a good enough job as a mom/wife! I think we can always do better! But I think you are an AMAZING MOM!!! You are such a sweet person & I can think of LOTS of nice things to say about you & we haven't known each other very long! I'm glad we're friends and get to see each other at least once a month at bunko! If you'd start going to the gym at a decent hour instead of before the sun even rises, then we could hang out there too! LOL

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