Reflections

It's interesting what a bout of stomach flu can do to change one's perspectives on just what is important in a person's life. Philip Yancey sums it up best, the way I felt over the course of the weekend, recovering from a week of running around at the office, as well as playing the role of chauffeur for practically the entire week - well, it's a good way to get to know the road system here once more - and take relish in the joys of a car sporting a manual gear shift. Lest I forget, this is what I had intended to update in the first place, quoting Yancey in verbatim:

I am trying to keep before me the crystalline vision I had while lying strapped to a backboard for seven hours. What we spend so much time and energy on (finances, image, achievement) matters so little when you face the very real possibility of imminent death. What matters reduces down to a few basic questions. Who do I love? Who will I miss? How have I spent my life? Am I ready for what’s next? So, how do I keep those questions in the forefront as I come to my desk each day and face piles of paper and blinking electronic messages? How do we sustain the vision of Easter on the other 364 days a year?

I have learned how thin is the thread that separates life from non-life, and how comforting is the knowledge that I am not alone on this journey. I have learned these things in a way that I doubt I will ever forget. I thank all of you who have prayed and sent messages of encouragement.