Finding The Holiday Spirit In The Worst Of Times
Life isn't always easy.
Even in the best of times, there's something to whine about. Think about this...when was the last time you went an entire day without complaining? It's usually the little things. The weather, traffic, sports teams, politics, families.
Every so often you hear about something really bad. It usually involves illness or violence. It makes your problems seem small. You think to yourself and sometimes tell others how you won't be able to complain anymore after this.....but it doesn't last long. Maybe a day...maybe two. But then you move on and focus on your own life. Really, there's nothing wrong with this...it's human. And it goes on until the next I can't believe it moment.
And here is the next moment.
For those of you that skipped clicking the link here's a quick recap. About a year a member of our blog community was heading home. Erin was driving on one of Chicago's expressways and was involved in a horrible accident. She was hit head on by someone driving the wrong way. Her life was changed forever.
The accident and numerous surgeries have left her in a wheelchair. There's a lot more work to go in her recovery. Most of us would be in a constant state of depression and woe is me. Her biggest complaint in the story is she won't be able to go with her family to help in a program serving orphans in Tanzania.
Something like this would make most of us question our belief system. For Erin, it's her faith and her tremendous spirit that gets her through this. My guess is her beliefs are now stronger than ever.
Most of us know someone who is going through this kind of story. On Thursday, when you're bitching about whatever trivial problem, think about them. Be thankful. Gratitude.
Real life can wait until Friday.
Here are some charitable links from Erin's story. This is for the orphan program in Tanzania. This is for a GoFundMe program which helps with her medical bills. Twenty-Five % of the donations from that will go to Mother's Against Drunk Driving.