It has been true for me that as I have gone deeper into that (once feared) area called the "30s", our Lord has shown me in many varied and surprising ways, the need for mercy in the human life.
God the Father shows us mercy each and every time we ask and are granted forgiveness for our multitude of sins each day. What love He shows us! It is a model we must follow.
To ourselves, when we fail to meet our own expectations.
To our partners, when they disappoint or hurt us.
To our children, when they disobey or disrespect us.
To friends, when they betray us.
To acquaintances, when they disregard the warmth we bestow.
To complete strangers, when they do not return polite gestures.
May God grant myself and all who read this, a renewed measure of mercy. A desire to treat others as fellow children of the Father.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
have dinner, save a life
It's not many of us who can say they have witnessed life saving measures being performed in their presence. Not only did I witness this last night, my dear mother was the one doing the saving.
We were enjoying an early dinner at Bozinni's here in Chilliwack, when a gentleman behind us stood up, and began, what I mistakenly took for vomiting. Well, after a few seconds, and the tell-tale sound of choking, it was obvious he was in distress. I quickly nudged my mother and told her to go help him as he was choking. She later told me that she had realized that at the same time I did. Well, her little 5' 0'' frame scurried around the half-wall to him, and once she got on her tip-toes, she began the Heimlich maneuver on him.
At this point I'm in awe, and of course praying for this dear man who is very panicked looking, as you can imagine. My mom did a few thrusts, and as the first piece dislodged, she was getting concerned that her shortness was getting in the way of properly helping him, as he was still choking. She said, "Can someone taller come help, please!" At that moment, my dad ran over (he was beside me, not far away) but thankfully the second piece came up.
The poor gentleman (we didn't get his name) was very scared but extremely relieved after the whole episode. He kept saying, "Thank-you, thank-you!" and, "I couldn't breathe!" His wife said, "I have my first aid, but I just froze!"
I decided to tell this story not to brag about my mother, because she was doing what her training as a nurse allows her to do without thinking (but it was really great, and I am EXTREMELY proud of her). But rather to shine a light on how fragile life is. The situation allowed Mark and I many teachable moments with our children, as they witnessed the whole ordeal.
Enjoy family times - Tell your loved ones you love them - Love your loved ones - Hug your loved ones - Savour the moments in your day with your loved ones - Help others in need when you can - Take the time to teach your children when an opportunity arises, every opportunity, from the smallest expression of thanks, to the largest of saving of a life.
Thanks for being my mom, Rachel! I love you!
We were enjoying an early dinner at Bozinni's here in Chilliwack, when a gentleman behind us stood up, and began, what I mistakenly took for vomiting. Well, after a few seconds, and the tell-tale sound of choking, it was obvious he was in distress. I quickly nudged my mother and told her to go help him as he was choking. She later told me that she had realized that at the same time I did. Well, her little 5' 0'' frame scurried around the half-wall to him, and once she got on her tip-toes, she began the Heimlich maneuver on him.
At this point I'm in awe, and of course praying for this dear man who is very panicked looking, as you can imagine. My mom did a few thrusts, and as the first piece dislodged, she was getting concerned that her shortness was getting in the way of properly helping him, as he was still choking. She said, "Can someone taller come help, please!" At that moment, my dad ran over (he was beside me, not far away) but thankfully the second piece came up.
The poor gentleman (we didn't get his name) was very scared but extremely relieved after the whole episode. He kept saying, "Thank-you, thank-you!" and, "I couldn't breathe!" His wife said, "I have my first aid, but I just froze!"
I decided to tell this story not to brag about my mother, because she was doing what her training as a nurse allows her to do without thinking (but it was really great, and I am EXTREMELY proud of her). But rather to shine a light on how fragile life is. The situation allowed Mark and I many teachable moments with our children, as they witnessed the whole ordeal.
Enjoy family times - Tell your loved ones you love them - Love your loved ones - Hug your loved ones - Savour the moments in your day with your loved ones - Help others in need when you can - Take the time to teach your children when an opportunity arises, every opportunity, from the smallest expression of thanks, to the largest of saving of a life.
Thanks for being my mom, Rachel! I love you!
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