Slide Show of Life

I have a slide show on my computer at work. It is full of wonderful memories with family, friends, co-workers, and some strangers. The amazing thing is all of these memories are unique and special. All of those in this slide show are there because they mean something to me.

Why have I brought this slide show up?

Because, when we look back on our lives there are moments that had they not been caught on camera they may have been forgotten. These photos are a reminder that every moment is precious. Every smile is priceless, and every memory is important.

In the slide show is a photo of a friend of mine... we hadn't really spoken for a while, I saw her in church, and then I received news that she had passed away.

I had a dream last night about Karla. In my dream, she was alive and we were taking her mothers car to this place but we stopped at a gas station instead. Once we got inside she was so friendly with the male clerk I was smiling. She didn't know a stranger. Later, we ended up in the middle of no where and she began to tell me stories.

She was telling me to always do what is right, to take the time to tell those who I love that I love them. She was sharing with me how delicate life is and how we forget how quickly it passes. She then was swallowed by the Earth and I was left standing in an empty, lonely place.

This dream made me so sad that Karla is no longer here, but it made me realize how she did exactly what she was telling me to do. Karla was an example of the true spirit of Christ. Although she was sick she made a point to visit, to smile, to share. How blessed are we to know people like this. Yet, how foolish are we to not take note and carry this on into our lives.

I wish I would have stayed in closer touch with her and to tell her how special she was to me. I want to tell her thank you for visiting me last night. It made me happy to know she was still there in spirit. I learned a lot last night in just a few short moments.

So - those of you in my life, in the slide show, and that will be a part of one or both one day; know how deeply I care for each of you. I don't want to wake up one morning and realize how I failed. I want to follow her example and be the light she was to so many.

I thank God for sending me that dream and opening my eyes to the wonderment that is life.

***Although time may separate us, although words may elude us, we are friends for a reason, a season, and a lifetime. God places those in our paths to help mold us. It is up to us to listen closely and be the change.