Giving Grace

I spent five hours in the car today driving to and from a funeral for someone who died far too young.  I spent time driving on Friday to visit a friend who is serving a prison sentence that is far too long.  I learned of two deaths by gun violence this weekend that left far too many grieving.   It can feel like too much;  far too young, far too long, far too many, far far far.....
This season is marked with anniversaries of loved ones passing.  My Facebook feed fills with tributes and photos from the end of March through the middle of May and there are times it all feels so sad.  Maybe, it's also perfect.  I am reminded of death just as everything is coming back to life.   New life puts death in focus.  This particular Spring is bringing with it the reminder that all will end.  I felt so thankful all weekend - so thankful for my freedom, my health, my family, my marriage, my child. I was sad but I felt a small smile grow in me with each mile of each visit.  Love the Prisoner.  Serve the widow.  Gratitude like that is easy fresh off the news of those who have lost the very same things.  Daily gratitude is not as easy, when the chores feel endless and the sun continues to hide behind the clouds.  Put down your to-do list. Make the drive anyway.  Make the Phone Call anyway.  Send the Card anyway.  Show up for those who are in crisis whether or not they have hurt you.  Forgive someone today.  Receive forgiveness today.   It is never too late to begin again.  

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