Jun 25 2009
‘It’s As Easy As ABC’
Today, two events marked for many baby boomers and others a time in history that changes our culture. Sadness over the imminent, yet expected passing of American beauty icon, Farrah Fawcett, and shock–waiting for sadness to kick in–over the sudden death of music icon, Michael Jackson–“King of Pop.”
The events that unfolded today have made the day’s light seem surreal, and as darkness falls we hope that somehow sense of this will come by tomorrows dawn. We consider our own mortality and perhaps think, any of us at any time.
If given the gift of life one more day, instead of learning to “number our days” as King David admonished in the Holy Bible, we think of how we will do this thing or that thing, we plan for the weekend or the evening with friends or family. But as the gift of life (the present) is once again graced us, we let many of its beauty’s slip through our fingers and pass us by, because most of us think we have tomorrow.
Tomorrow to grasp today’s missed opportunities, to make a mends, or take a breather. Truth of the matter is–that gift is not promised. Learning to number our days forces us to stop, look and listen. In the fast-paced, ever evolving “to do’s” we think there is no time to stop for 60 seconds–just one minute to look at the beauty of the clouds or the birds soar. If we miss the 60 seconds from our task at hand leading us to the next we may fall behind–but what if we simply fall dead.
This morning I was at home working on a project when my husband called for me to come and see something–right way. At first I was irritated, but I stopped because in the back of my mind the thought flashed before me “Lord, teach me to number my days” otherwise I might miss something I really would want too, or should see.
It was an unusual sight, as a squirrel was laid out under a lawn chair on the patio as if taking a nap. No worries, just chillin’. I asked my husband if he could be dead and he assured me he wasn’t, so after snapping his picture sure enough he perked up and on all fours scampered off. I was glad I had taken the time.
It was later in the day that I learned of Farrah’s passing and even later of Michael’s. Even though most of us are not personally connected to the icons of the day just knowing they are there seems to bring a sense of security to us albeit, false.
As I reflect on the days occurrences I close out my tangible day with that prayer, “Lord, teach me to number my days.” I would to God that we act with the grace of Farrah Fawcett and the energy of Michael Jackson and learn to slow down–it can be as “Easy as ABC”
Goodnight Farrah and Michael.
