Sunday, January 11, 2009

The passing of a dear friend and a new look at resolutions...

Yesterday we heard the news that a dear friend of ours, Keith Jeffords, passed away after a short battle with cancer. He was really an amazing man, a great father and a perfect husband to my friend Myrna. I knew he was sick, but had thought there was more time, maybe 2 years, to live. They were praying for a miracle and hoping.

Today as I was blow-drying my hair for church, it all hit me. The ironic thing about this morning, was that it was about a month ago that I was blow-drying my hair and had a sudden over-whelming feeling about Keith. I knew then that things weren't good. I spoke to various friends, asking what they knew and telling them that I was concerned about the family. The sad thing is that I knew I should go and visit them. I wanted so badly to go, but I didn't know what to bring with me (I can never seem to go empty-handed), I didn't know what to say. Then the holidays hit and I thought that I would do it later. Even last week, I was trying to come up with an excuse to call or go visit. But, again, I put it off. Today what hit me most was the regret I feel for not showing my love and concern before he left this earth. I was prompted and I heard that "still small voice" but I didn't act upon it.

As I look at my usual selfish resolutions this year (loosing that extra weight, getting the house organized, etc.), I know that I need to take another look. I need to re-evaluate those resolutions and focus more on the things that really matter. It is in these moments of life that we suddenly realize those things that are most important, in an eternal prospective.

My resolutions have undergone a re-write today... I want to show those around me, both family and friends, that I love and care for them. I want to spend more quality time with those that I love instead of focusing so much on temporal things. I want to listen more closely to that "still small voice" and make that phone call or visit right then, no matter what other urgent things seem to be on my "to do" list that day.

My heart breaks for Myrna and her family. She is such an amazing woman, one of the strongest I have ever known. She has been through trials that I can't even imagine surviving, but she hasn't only survived, she has done so with grace and dignity. She lost the love of her life this week, her soul mate. I know that the Lord will bless and comfort her and her family.

4 comments:

Morkthefied said...

We must be on the same wavelength (though your story was much closer to your heart), because I had those same thoughts during church...that my New Year's Resolutions should be more centered on being a better friend and Christian; not about my selfish desires. Hugs, Ellen. You do so much for so many. You can still be a great support to your friend.

Leslie Jam said...

Ellen I'm sorry for the loss of your beloved friend.

What you wrote about listening to promptings is definitely true, and we all need reminders from time to time of the importance of doing so, at least I do!

Thank you for a lovely thought provoking post.

Love
Leslie

Jennifer said...

Hey Ellen, I know what you mean, life is short and it's crazy how so many other things tend to push there way ahead of things that truly matter to us. You are a great friend and a good person. We love you.
Jenn

Deon said...

Ellen, my heart goes out to you. I'm still trying to learn that hard lesson of starting to act on promptings but then second guessing myself and pulling back. Thank you for sharing your tender feelings and thoughts.