Recently our pastor spoke about near death experiences and how often we have such experiences- more often than not- and we just don't know it. And if we have ever had one that has remained etched in our memory, we're probably still talking about it.But what about the near life experiences? How often and how close to that are we everyday? How often are we too afraid or too careful or too intimidated that we won't allow ourselves to live life to its absolute fullest?
And as a Mother, I have this huge responsibility to direct not only how I live, but just which way each of my children will live- or not "live."
To keep them safe and far away from the edge, from the unknown, and thus maybe missing miracles and blessings and life-shaping experiences. Or instead taking that very thing that is holding us back, that thing we just can't seem to "get over" and using it as a launch pad, a push from the nest into that place that really may not be so dark and scary after all. It might just be life. A life very much worth living.
Ahh...near death experiences. I know about those. Near life experiences are what I need to start having. I find myself dwelling on the stresses of life, rather than getting over them, eliminating them, or dealing with them. I keep saying "tomorrow" or "next week" or "next year". I need to just say "yes" and get on with it already. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. Each day we have is a gift and an opportunity to make this day better than the last. Sometimes we need to be reminded of that.
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures too!
Hmmm, I've never considered near life experiences. Good Stuff Steph.
ReplyDeleteAwesome reminder to just enjoy life. We are going to the beach today and I can't wait to see what they create in the sand, water...
ReplyDeleteGreat post - and great photos! I have never thought about "Near Life Experiences" before. I think going to Africa next month will do that for me...I have wanted to go forever, and just decided to take the plunge and GO. Great issue here, lots to think about!
ReplyDeleteYet again, this is another beautiful post. I plan to live my life to the fullest, and not let (pms) get in the way! He he!
ReplyDeleteSo much of everyday life can be near life experiences. You just have to catch the moments.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
You have such a beautiful way of putting things. This post is such a lovely reminder that life should be counted by all the moments we wish could last forever. When you start thinking like that you really see how blessed you are even in the midst of turmoil.
ReplyDeleteI love this, Steph! Too often we forget that it's the small moments which make the biggest memories.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome perspective.
ReplyDeletethis post is amazing. Thank you for the excellent reminder!
ReplyDeletethe pictures were great... and i've never thought about near life experiences... good thinking stuff!
ReplyDeleteAfter I came so close to dying, I felt a sense of panicked gratitude for AGES afterwards. Honestly, I'm very glad to be back to being able to take things mostly for granted now.
ReplyDeleteSteph,
ReplyDeleteGreat post to focus on life.
Amy
Very beautiful and poignant post!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post. Love it!!
ReplyDeleteI have that feeling about near death experiences. I wonder how many we have had and did not even realize. I have never thought of it the other way around, of near life experiences.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful reminder of what life is all about.
ReplyDeleteYes, I totally agree. It's hard to overcome, when you've been through a really big trauma, but it's a shame to waste the time we have.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I had never thought of it in that way before, Near Life. I enjoyed looking at your pastor's site.
ReplyDeleteNear life... I like it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to think about each day we have! We have pictures of Ben up on my blog now, too!
ReplyDeleteI love it! Thanks for sharing the thought.
ReplyDeleteA quote I've heard lately is "This too shall pass" and most people find comfort in this when bad things are happeing, but sadness thinking about the good things...I believe it simply means to enjoy every single moment you are in...do not feel sad...embrace the moment...for it too shall pass...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great reminder! Thank you!
ReplyDeletePoifect post! And a great reminder. :) Those pictures provide a perfect complement to your word-wisdom as well.
ReplyDeleteNicely done, thank you!
Great one Steph! I try hard to not let my nervousness about "what could happen" limit the kids experiences.
ReplyDeleteI totally needed to read that today. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI must admit I am often too scared or afraid to live life to the fullest...or just too plain tired and lazy!
ReplyDeleteAnother poetic post! And you are so right...we need to savor every moment of our children living life, it goes by awfully fast!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! I worry sometimes that in keeping my kids safe they are missing out on some of the more exciting parts of life. Good food for thought!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steph, I needed to read this today. Here's to all the "near life" experiences we can get! : )
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts to ponder:).
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing it all this out today. Those picture are perfect!
ReplyDeleteWell said! I really enjoyed your post today. It was a great reminder.
ReplyDeleteLoved this. That pic of Gray is priceless. I want to notice the near-life or LIFE experiences a lot more...
ReplyDeleteI clicked on your pastor's link, and I just had to let you know that we went to Countryside when I was a little girl! Coincidentally I happen to be writing this from a hotel room in Michigan City. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Steph!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful post, as always, and the pictures go perfectly with it.
ReplyDeletexo,
Jane
you gave me something to think on this morning. we need more near life experiences!
ReplyDeleteI love this. What a great way to think about daily life and its potential.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading this the first time. It's so well said. I'm reminded once again to cherish the "near life" experiences!
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking up Steph! : )