I love Ted Talks. If you haven’t discovered their wisdom in 20 minutes or less, please explore their varied issues. You won’t regret it.
I listened to one the other day by Ric Elias. He was a passenger on the plane that hit birds and endured an emergency landing on the Hudson. “The Miracle of the Hudson” it is rightfully called.
In his talk he lists the “Three Things I Learned when My Plane Crashed.” How’s that for a wild title? He no longer postpones things; he no longer tries to be right; he chooses to be happy and his only goal in life is to be a good dad.
I wondered if I found myself in the same predicament and hopefully lived to tell about it, what would come to my mind?
I think I would regret the time I waste. I am not upset about times of rest and reading and just vegging with friends – I need more of that. But time I chose to hid in my office (exactly what I am doing right now to be honest) instead of being with my hubby. Of course he is just watching television but I could curl up next to him. I would regret not embracing the precious time we have together.
Second, I would laugh more. I get too focused, too serious, too boring. My blogging friend, Jen Ferguson’s word of the year is FUN. I love that word and where it is taking her this year. I need a sprinkle of joy more often in my life.
And last, I would slow down and savor what I read. I skim too much and wade in the shallow waters. I want to dive deep and drink in wisdom from sages. Currently I am feeling quite a calling to spent time with ancient voices of wisdom.
Guess I don’t need a plane emergency to rethink values in my life but this Ted Talk certainly gave me moments to ponder. Someone ask me in six month if I put any of these into practice? ok?
What three things do you think you would learn if you experienced a near death event?
I had a recent health scare that was quite serious. I am fine now, but it did change my life. The biggest issue for me was looking around myself and re-evaluating who I had surrounded myself with. Those I thought would respond with tremendous care and concern instead gave little of either.
On the other hand, those who I never expected to make even a phone call were some that walked with me through every step until we were able to celebrate together.
I found in those most tense of moments, that my biggest fear was not of the actual dying, but needing help from those who would resent my illness and weakness. I felt like a prisoner and vowed to make changes as soon as I was in the clear.
Now that panic has subsided, I no longer have the urgency to make those changes, so I wonder how many I will actually follow through with. Some, are already in place, and I am much stronger for it.
Who knows, perhaps this blog is but a reminder of the work I have yet to do.. a gentle nudge of sorts. And perhaps you could ask us all how we are doing on our changes after some time. I’ll certainly spend some time considering all my resolutions of a few months ago today. Thanks,Jean
Oh dear I am so glad you are doing better but sad you had some disappointment in your friendships. I know discouragement is one of the best ways, the devil gets to me too. I expect so much from others and then get disappointed when they don’t give. I certainly know how you feel and it isn’t very pleasant.
I think changes we both want to make take time. One little step at a time. keep thinking and praying and yes, lets ask each other how we are doing with this in a few months. good idea. I know I get so bogged down with the urgent I neglect what I really value. time to change that!
hope you have a good week, Blessings!
That’s good stuff, Jeanie. In our living out God’s plan I don’t think He ever meant for us to sacrifice His beauty for our lives. Beauty in the rest, in the little things, in the joy.
Hi Heather, I know that TED talk really made me stop and think too. You are so right about the beauty in rest and in the little things.
Don’t waste time, don’t bother with worrying, and live in the moment . . . Great post, Jean!