What lesson did Derek Miller hope his wife and two young daughters could take from his illness and untimely death?
"Not that they could die any day...
but that they should pursue what they enjoy, and what stimulates their minds, as much as possible—so they can be ready for opportunities, as well as not [be] disappointed when things go sideways, as they inevitably do."
The message is not to live as if you are dying. Think about it: As death approaches, your world gets progressively smaller. Opportunities for joy become progressively fewer. Connections with all but the most intimate friends and family are lost.
Miller's message is to live as if you are living. Learn how to recognize, accept and adjust to disappointments, so they don't drag you down. Learn how to see and make the effort to pursue opportunities for joy.
When I saw the title I expected something to do with heaven. So I can't resist offering something I've read lately. A fascinating, thought-provoking story of a boy not yet four, and his experience as he lay gravely ill with a burst appendix. It's told by his father and written with the innocence of little Colton and what he saw of heaven - where nobody is old and nobody wears glasses. Bits and pieces slip out to the family during daily routines. www.heavenisforreal.net
This simple book offers profound comfort, hope and peace.
Posted by: Marcy | June 01, 2011 at 01:49 PM