Today I went to the funeral of my friend’s husband who was taken from this earth way too soon (see previous post). He was 37 years old. As I sat there listening to his eulogy, delivered by his best friend, I cried, laughed and felt connected to this newly released spirit. One thing that came through was how much this person valued friendship, family and the people around him. He would visit his friends for no other reason than he simply wanted to “spend time” with them.
When was the last time you simply spent time with a person or family member – just because you wanted to? How often is our time allocation for a person based on appointments, deadlines and perceived responsibility? Maybe we could all take a leaf out of this man’s book and spend this weekend, “spending time” with those we love. They may not be here tomorrow…
I’m off to spend time with some special people – I hope you can too.
Kimx
Great post Kim, I felt much the same way on reading about Jane McGrath’s passing. She was such an inspiration and leaves a great legacy.
I absolutely agree – as women I think we are so busy doing eveything that we forget how to do nothing except enjoy our family and friends.
By: julia bickerstaff on June 24, 2008
at 12:49 pm
I agree totally with Kim and Julia – and take it one step further – that the spending time also needs to include “real conversations”!!!! Unhurried space, totally present and completely REAL. As our children get older we need to do this more and more wherever and whenever we can; I totally love the car rides with my 15 year old daughter because we just talk about all kinds of stuff while hanging out with each other. And it is incredibly sad that it takes death or near death experiences to bring us to our senses!!!! I know I had a shake up through a near death experience and it is important I beleive to hang on to this feeling becasue before you know it you are being dragged back in the “urgent” world again.
Thanks so much for sharing Kim and Julia.
By: Mandy Holloway on June 24, 2008
at 11:52 pm
Thanks for this Kim.
I’ve just found your blog.
Even out in rural NSW, life is a rush.
This week I have had two children away at a school camp – which left me my youngest daughter. I have really enjoyed this one on one time with her.
But it has made me realise just how fast the years are flying by – and that I need to slow down and enjoy the years that my kids are still around – especially as they will be going to boarding school soon, unfortunately.
It is hard to find the time to get everything done, let alone find time to connect with the people that you would like to.
By: Miz Molly on December 5, 2008
at 10:10 am