I was seriously numb when I started reading about the recent tornadoes in the mid-west. The intensity of the twister that ripped through five states and hundreds of miles was unbelievable to me. Probably because we have lived in tornado country, heard the sirens and spent many nights huddled in the basement with pillows and mattresses around us. Add the fact that this particular tornado went through a larger town in Alabama rather than the small, desolate towns that are usually victim- my thoughts and prayers were many!
I read an article about a college student at Alabama State University. She said that prior to the tornadoes, all she was really focused on was finding the perfect dress for graduation. She spent all her extra time and energy looking and shopping to find the perfect dress to wear for her graduation celebration.
Her focus shifted instantaneously with the tornado. This campus and the surrounding area was so effected by the tornado damage, that the college actually cancelled finals, classes and even the scheduled commencement exercises.
All of a sudden her perspective switched from what she wanted to wear to the gratitude that she felt for her own life and the life of her friends- all of whom had survived the record breaking tornado.
Her thoughts made me really think about all the things we worry about on a daily basis. We worry about tests, finances, our rounding bellies, and what other people think about us. But when we are filled with such all consuming thoughts, we don't see the smiles on the faces we see each day, the beauty of the morning sun, the laughter of children playing in neighborhoods all around us.
I think that we should spare ourselves the natural disaster wake up calls in life and ENJOY THE DAY, ENJOY THE MOMENT! The new dresses in life will be forgotten a few months from now, but the relationships and experiences you enjoy will stay with you for a lifetime.
It really is a beautiful life we have been given. To see it, all you need is a new perspective. To find that- just take a good look around :)
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