It's About Time Ruth Wong

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Make your life count while you can

What if you went into the hospital for a routine outpatient procedure and unexpectedly ended up in the intensive care unit fighting for your life?

That's exactly what happened to my neighbor last December. Her condition was so critical that she had a near-death, out-of-body experience, returning to her body when her son pleaded, "Mommy, don't leave me!"

It's times like that when we are forced to face our mortality and evaluate what's really important in life. For my neighbor it was a reminder to never take life for granted. She says she received a second chance to love and serve others.

I've noticed that those who have had a near-death experience don't say they've been given another chance to accumulate more wealth, power or possessions for themselves, but rather that their focus has become oriented toward others. Truly, life is not "all about me."

William Penn said, "I expect to pass through life but once. If, therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good things I can do for my fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again."

How are you living your life?

» Are you living a humdrum existence with every day the same as the last?

» Are you waiting until everything is perfect before you'll be happy?

» Are you busy acquiring riches and possessions just for yourself?

Or are you:

» Relishing each day?

» Developing quality relationships?

» Enjoying meaningful moments?

» Putting emphasis on being and not just on doing?

» Taking time to instill values in your children?

» Mentoring and developing others?

» Lending a helping hand?

» Sharing your substance?

» Affecting other lives for good?

There is an American Indian proverb that says, "When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."

In a sense, we're each given a new chance every morning. How will you use this day?

I encourage you to seize the day, make time for what's really important, touch other lives for good and make your life count for something that will outlast it. It will be time and life well spent!

See you in two weeks!