Tuesday, March 21, 2006

One Shot...

The title, "one shot" probably means many different things to each person who reads this. From tequila to medicine to guns to a chance... you see? We're all coming from different walks of life. Even two words can bring a myriad of thoughts- none of them right or wrong. It's just sometimes I think we get hung up in our own little worlds, and we walk along going about our business in life within the tiny scope of our own perspective.
I've talked here about how things aren't always what they seem. That sometimes our own experiences or values or lack-thereof can influence what we see and what we choose to believe in this life. Simply by looking at someone or something rarely tells the whole story. That's what's on my mind today.
For some reason I was reflecting on life and the fact that we all only get one shot at it. Most of us have no idea how long that shot is or how many twists and turns will take place within it- but we are given one lifetime. I know it comes up alot, but I can't help but think about the fact that we all are facing death- it's a part of my life after having my own brush with it and staring it in the face when Teagan died. Death is very real to me and a big part of things that have shaped me the past few years. And the truth is that we will all die someday.
I live not fearing death or wondering how it will happen to me (actually I do think about that quite a bit...so far I haven't picked the way I'd like to go...still working on that), but realizing that life is a very special thing that I think too often I [still] take for granted. I can get caught up in daily routines and the busyness that we all face in our schedules. I think sometimes I like to step back in my mind and ask myself, "Is this what you want to do with your single opportunity? Are you really living life to its fullest?" Some days I truly think that I am. I also understand that life has ups and downs and even holding patterns. But I know that even in the "dry spells" we can learn and grow and enhance our understanding and a lot of other things.
I guess you stumbled upon my inside thoughts today. The ones that don't really tell you anything new or exciting- but they are just out there for you to consider in your own life. I ulitmately hope that my "one shot" will leave a good impression on all the people that happen to "brush up against me" in my walk through life- whether they be close friends, family or just people that come and go. I would like to feel that within my little world, my one shot served a purpose, and that when it's all said and done I will realize that as I sit and look back from a place in Heaven- whenever that time comes. Have a thoughtful day.

12 comments:

Jada's Gigi said...

I think we are all suseptible to viewing the world through our own matrix. How can we help but be influenced by the things that have shaped our lives. Not one single "matrix" has the whole picture and the sooner we realize this the better off we are. I am convinced that in Christ, my "one shot" does matter, does serve some higher purpose....that the lives I touch, the kids i raise, the path I follow, somehow make a difference. I'm not sure that we'll ever know to what extent as long as we are on this planet but I have to believe that the life He has given is not in vain. His purpose is my purpose...whatever that is...:)

Anonymous said...

jody your blog has made a difference in my life...there are no coinicidences God the source of all good things has a purpose for all things...sometimes that is difficult to wrap my mind around...thank you for sharing your story and your thoughts....i love your blog card and your t-shirts...amazing...dryspell: what about telling us about how you manage your day with your 4 darlings, meals, laundry, fun, learing....anything else that makes each day special and cares for your family.have a happy day

amazing grace said...

very inspiring post.....loved reading it!!!!

Anonymous said...

Jody...I came across your blog through the prompt of a friend who saw your post on kellicrowe's blog...of course, I read back and tried to piece your story together and spent nearly an hour in tears of heartache for you and your family...and at the same time, the joy with which you live your life in the midst of the events you've been given. I asked another friend if she had read your blog and she said yes, but she couldn't go back there because it was too depressing. I said, "Depressing?! It has been such a blessing to me! How you live through this tradgedy with Christ in the forefront, as all our lives should be...shining His glory through your testimony! Praise the Lord for your willingness to be used by Him to touch so many other lives instead of becoming a hermit in anger and bitterness...you have blessed my socks off! YOU are the kind of friend I want to fill my life with! Someone with such an abundance in your heart to give to others, and the selflessness to do it!! I'm not suggesting it has been as easy road, but one in which probably at times, you have walked only moment by moment...thank you...for being led by God to share and in turn, have blessed others...after reading the history on your blog the other night, I just stopped, and hugged my kids for no reason at all...I'm not real good at that as I wasn't raised in a very touchy feely home...but I am trying to raise my children differently...and YOU reminded me to STOP and enjoy what I have truly been blessed with, not knowing when that blessing might be taken away...I know I've said it already, but THANK YOU again for blessing my life by letting Christ shine through yours!
Blessings!
Tammy

Anonymous said...

I'm fairly new to your blog and think I'm in sinc to your "philosophy of life" in the spiritual sense. Also I'm a bit older too so have some of "Life's experiences" under my belt (so to speak)
What you are pondering has some merit. Read Ecc. in the Bible and Solomon has some of the same ideas passing through his mind.
I remember when I was young worrying about dying and thinking that I hadn't lived enough yet...I hadn't married, hadn't had a child, hadn't traveled etc. etc. etc. These are all valid things to yearn for~love, a husband, a family and more. But if we put "all" of our eggs in that basket and we don't die but go on living life and none of it happens does that make us less of a person. I don't think so! God tells us in his word that he will bless us but will it be with these things (?)...but the "main thing" he desires the most for us is our "full" devotion to him! When we have that then we have it all, in my view. To acquire the things of this life is nice, blessings even, but we were created for something more and that's to Glorify Him!! When we don't "get" those things that we think will "fill" us...my question is then what? We can become bitter and ineffective and what better "tool" of the enemy.
Some will read these words and will be confused. I think you'll know from what I speak.
I love your post and I can tell that you have strived to get your priorities right. Your family is beautiful and so are you! I love that you seem to have found your "purpose" and share it with the rest of us!! :-) You are a blessing and an inspiration. God is using you!!

suzspeaks said...

Your post has inspired me today! Just thought I'd let you know...

Melanie said...

Thank you for the reminder! I try everyday to cherish the time with my little one and soak up life with him but it's easy to get caught up in stuff. It's nice to be reminded!

MommyOutOfControl said...

I just had to let you know that I love love love your site. It is absolutely uplifting and inspiring. You are amazing. Keep it up. What an excellent role model you are for your beautiful children. Kudos to you.
Jamie

Anonymous said...

thank you for once again bringing my perspective back to the here and now. back to this moment...do I read with the kids or do the dishes...right now i read all the books they want because i only have 1 shot. thank you thank you for your openness! have an awesome day

Anonymous said...

Thanks for reminding me of what is really important. It's something I've been trying to work on this year and I think you said what I've been thinking beautifully.

Susie said...

Hi,
I'm a first time visitor and was inspired by your story. So sorry for the loss of your precious daughter, Teagan.
You are certainly honoring her memory by sharing your insights this way.
Blessings,
Sue

Gina said...

Thank you for the reminder to cherish and not take for grantid the amazing opportunities we have in this life.