I got something on my mind and I think it's important.

[Beekissed]

I got the point. I call it "living intentionally"...being aware of those around you, their needs and their lives, as well as your own and how it can affect those very people. I've always been tuned into other people's physical comfort and that is probably why I became a nurse, but for the past several years I've started to tune into their lives as a whole. I try to help the people I work with, my patient's families, and complete strangers by never missing a chance to do a kindness if it is in my power to do so.

Chances to be kind are all around us, some we pick up and run with, some we miss....but, for the most part, I try to intentionally pay attention to the opportunities so that I can make that choice.

And, yes, I believe I've made a difference in this world. I didn't used to believe that, but the more I read my Bible, realize why God even created me and how he directed my paths, the more I know why I am here. I am here to make a difference~maybe I won't find the cure for cancer or world hunger, but I have touched many people and brought warmth and comfort to their lives. I can be happy with that!

 

[Attila the Hen]

Quote:
What an interesting discussion. These are all issues I grapple with a good deal of the time. I suppose it's my age, in part, (57) a sense that the clock is winding down and what have I done and what will I do with what is left? Although I work with people as a "public servant" and am always willing to go beyond the call of duty it never seems enough. My husband and I adopted a sibling group of 5 teens because we felt we had been so blessed we wanted to give back. After 11 years it has proved a dismal failure in many respects--although I believe it's not over till it's over. My point being that even with the difficulties of that experience and all I put into it and continue to (on a limited basis) I still do not feel I have contributed enough to this life. I wonder if it's my ego that moves me to think I should be doing so much more, instead of accepting as you do Beekissed, that what I attend to that is placed before me is what is mine to do and sufficient.

 

[Beekissed]

I feel that urgency also...don't know if it is age related or just what condition the world is in today. I really want to go into missionary work of some kind so I can devote ALL my time, not just part of it, to doing for others. My kids are grown and my time is my own...now is the time to do this while I'm still relatively young(45) and healthy.

This summer I applied for a passport, researched orphanages overseas until my eyes dried out, sold off almost everything I own, bought a few good and sturdy duffle bags and reduced all my personal clothing and items until they will fit into those bags. Now I'm waiting for an opportunity to do God's work.... when that opportunity becomes available, I am more than ready. Until then, I will continue to give extra money, time, and material goods to those more in need than I.

 

[Mattemma]

Interesting post. I think if you know the person will get no visitors at the viewing/funeral then skip it all(save the money) and do a cremation,spread the ashes when you get them,and have a gathering/lunch with those who did want to talk about the preson. I definitely live each day doing good by others.Don't understand mean people,aggressive drivers,cruel parents.Don't know how they go through each day,and then feel good about themselves as they lay in bed thinking of all they did that day.Alas some people thrive on causing pain in others.

I know my mom would have a lot of people,but she would not want me wasting money on funeral costs.We would do what I mentioned above,and we would have a nice time talking about the things she said and did.It would be more like a party than a sad event.I read funerals are for comforting the living,so you should do what makes you happy. I have a very small circle or friends and relatives who will mourn my death,and spending thousands is not what I want them to do when I die.

I don't know what they costs these days,but when my stepdad died at 34 in 1989 it was about 5k.Waste of money imo. I told dh to get a body transport permit(required in Ohio),pop me in a bag,and cruise on over to the ovens.Then plant me with some fruiting plants! If we lived on a farm he should burying my in the yard....if it is permitted these days.

 

[seminolewind]

Gosh Rancher Hicks, you have hit on a really deep subject. It's books like that that my brain works on for years. Like "To Kill a Mockingbird" , I have worked on that one mentally for years, and still don't feel like I'm getting the message.

My Gpa was a grouch and was social in his younger years. He made alot of disgruntled relatives in his life. When he died, his turnout was so big they had to open the next room. He never really helped anyone , and he drank.

My Gma, did everything for everyone. She was pleasant and liked the simple things in life. She was a great hostess, and good company. She had a horrid life with Gpa, like a servant to him. She had very few at her funeral. It wasn't because she wasn't loved. She was loved greatly. Maybe she was just a very undemanding person.

Kathy, I agree, showing respect and support to others are what funerals are for. But it's nice to celebrate afterward and tell stories about the departed one.

My thoughts are that when I go, I would like to feel that I have positively made someone's life better, the more the better. And no matter how small.

 

[Beekissed]

To Kill a Mockingbird~my favorite book of all time!!! I read it first when I was 10 and it went deep. I've read it several times since then and I still find that it touches me. I'd always wanted a dad like Atticus Finch....

 

[rancher hicks]

Quote:
I like the book too, but right now I'm reading "Mockingbird" about Harper Lee. She drew on her life for the book. Strangely enough her father was nothing like Atticus at least perhaps not until his later years. She however was some what like Scout. Her mother was not so much motherly to her though. She being the youngest and her mother suffering from Bi-Polar. A disease not recognized or known about in those days. But as usual I'm rambling. I got the book discounted but it's a pretty good read. The movie is a good adaptation but I like the book better.

East of Eden was much better than the movie. The movie fails miserably.

Take care,

Rancher

 

[seminolewind]

I thought the East of Eden movie failed too. The book has a point, something to say, something to think about. The movie-well moviestars and an exciting plot.

 

[remuda1]

"However what is sad is that so many missed the whole point. It's not about who does or doesn't come to your funeral , it's about YOU living a life that matters. Certainly there are many people who have loads of people who come to their funerals. However the question is, if you died tomorrow would any one really miss you? Do you live the kind of life that matters? Certainly life goes on but what will remain of your life?"

EXACTLY!!!! Thank you, Rancher.

 

[Spookwriter]

I remember the people that have influenced my own life.
Some of them have been gone many years. But gone is
only a word. Because those people live on in me.

And I think of them from time to time.

Maybe you didn't know them, and thats all right. But I did.
And in my knowing them, they changed my life forever.

In my own time, I hope that I have the ability and the wisdom
to influence another persons life for the better.

A debt that I owe.