A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you … — John 13:34

Responding To The Egyptian Air Crash

The present is the only moment when decisions can be made. We are encouraged not to put things off, whether it be to tell someone we love them, say we’re sorry, start to meditate, or decide what’s important to us.

Several years ago an airplane crashed, killing all the people on board. In the wreckage, little pieces of paper were found stuck in the seats. These little pieces of paper had brief messages of love on them. They said things like, “Tell my wife I love her.” “Please tell my Dad I’ll always love him.” “I love you, Mom.” They were notes written to family members & loved ones. For you see, when all was said & done, the relationships between people were the most important things.

When I lived in Kauai, there was the threat of a tidal wave. In the middle of the night, we were asked to evacuate our residences & move to safety on higher ground. We were told to take our most precious valuables with us. So I packed up my five-year-old son & my kitten & I moved. What else was important?

As I thought about all of these experiences, an old maxim kept going around in my head. It said, “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.”

AFFIRMATION
Today I make a commitment to do at least one thing I was not planning to do when I went to sleep last night. Perhaps it will be contacting someone I have not spoken to for a long time. Perhaps it will be to visit a sick person. Maybe it will be to apologize to someone. Or perhaps it will be to tell all the people I care for how much I love them. Whatever it is, I know God & I are great partners in this venture. I rejoice & give thanks.

Love,
Rainbow

Rev. Dr. Rainbow Johnson
ADAAP Clergy Counselor