Do the next right thing!

 "Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised. What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others....."  Author unknown

This has been a week to once again remember how fragile life can be.  I met a woman, Jill, a couple of years ago in a Bible study who was full of life and joy.  She had a successful career transforming run down houses into beautiful homes.  She lived life with anticipation, love, thoughtfulness and flair.  Her smile lit up a room. 

When I met her she slowly walked into the room dependent on the cane in her hand.  An illness had taken her once active life.  It took great effort for her to get out of the house to go anywhere, but never once did I hear her complain.  She was hopeful and loved spending time with others.  In one of our Bible studies we were talking about the times of difficulty when it seems we do not know which way to turn.  We talked about the days that we just get up and do the next thing uncertain of what the day really holds.  Jill spoke up and said, "We just have to do the next right thing."  It was a phrase that stuck with all of us.  We were reminded that we have choices every day to complain and feel sorry for ourselves or do the next right thing.  This young woman who truly had challenges every single day lived life with expectancy.  She invited me to come and sit on her porch to visit anytime I could.  She loved opportunities to talk and spend time with others especially since she wasn't able to get out on her own. 

I heard recently through a mutual friend that her health had taken a turn for the worse in the last few weeks.  Although, she still enjoyed friends coming by.  One of our friends would go and help her with her make-up and hair.  Jill firmly believed in looking her best at all times.  I intended to go and visit.  In fact, had planned to contact her to see if she was up to a visit last weekend.  There were reasons why I didn't contact her - her sister was in town - I had a lot on my plate - etc.  etc.  I let another weekend over the course of many weekends go by without taking the opportunity to spend time with this delightful young woman.

I texted her Tuesday to see if she would be up to a visit in the next few days.  I received a message from our mutual friend that Jill was declining.  The next morning I received a text from Jill's phone number letting me know that she had passed away in the night.  I knew she was free of pain and rejoicing in Heaven.  She had been set free from this mortal body and could walk and run and dance with joy once again.  But I was sorry for myself.  Sorry that I didn't take an hour to go and sit and have tea with this delightful person who had made such an impact on my heart in the brief time that I knew her. Sorry for . . . . Sorry for . . . . Sor . . .

I can think of a myriad of things to be sorry for, but that was not how Jill lived.  She would say, "Carolyn, learn from it.  Do the next right thing."  I think she would remind me to live the moments of life and not let the days slip away.  I am grateful for this woman who chose to weave her life into the lives of myself and others.  She made a difference. 

Now I must go and do the next right thing . . .