While looking at the calendar, on my wall--which says June 2008--I have been struck with the fact that the summer has rushed by, quicker than I could obviously keep track of. (What kind of person can't take the time to change their calendar?--I missed an entire month plus a bit more!)
There were days, during this particular summer, that felt as if they would NEVER end...days that I struggled to survive and watched the clock slowly pass every minute- into every hour, just aching for darkness, so I could sleep away the time that haunted me. 
Then there were days-- playing in mounds of sand, listening to the waves crash against the rocks, breathing in the salty air, hearing giggles surrounding me, and wishing time would just stand still...while I would attempt to 'bottle-up' that moment in whatever way possible.
Then again, looking at my sad calendar display, I was struck with the realization that I spent too many days this year wishing I could sleep away time, not that time moved quicker because I spent days like that, but suddenly the time I spent 'in that state' felt like such a waste. 
Now noticing how quickly time, apparently, moves....what was I thinking-- soaking myself in the 'gloom', misery and letting myself just sit in it?!
Of course every person has their moments, their days, and their 'situations', but looking back I see that SOME of those days were spent sulking over such trivial things...things that--in the bigger picture--really aren't worth a thought.
Then today I bumped into this blog post (through another blog that I love) and it was exactly what I needed to hear. This post starts out. "If you are reading this, it means I have passed..."
"My journey in this world was difficult and painful but important in my spiritual growth. I learned that we have to be happy despite our circumstances. We can’t say I will be happy when…. No sweeties be happy now because today is all you have.
I learned that all the small stuff is very small and not worth your time and attention. Gossip and resentments,worrying about things that never happen, fearing the unknown. Let it go my lovelies, breath..."
Then I was also reminded of two friends, who lives were suddenly taken from us 4 years ago...this August 15th. (Info below taken from website) Read more about them HERE
"Excerpts from Lindsay's journals are below. The last one was the one she wrote as she sat with Jason and watched the sun go down the very night that they were killed. It's very sweet to know that she and Jason spent their last moments in awe of God's creation here on earth. Only hours later, they were experiencing God's glory in heaven for the very first time, which is far greater than our human minds can comprehend!""I greatly desire to have many crowns to give my God when I get to heaven... Nothing on earth matters in light of eternity. It is so easy to get caught up in the things of the world and forget what really matters... How amazing that we have forever to spend with Christ! The more we worship and spend our lives for Christ on earth the better we can serve Him in heaven... I sometimes think of myself as a pilgrim in a foreign land traveling through life. We are here temporarily. I should be less materialistic and give more to God. Don't waste time!"
"The sun is going down in the horizon, and all I see is the beams shining on the cliff face, and I know that God is awesome. I look around and I see His creation all around me."
The last photo from Lindsay's camera.
I have so much to learn.
