the universe is trying to tell me something - life's too short

When I woke up this morning at 4am for my usual jaunt to the gym, I didn't expect to hear birdsong, have my coffee ready-made, and for my hair to curl just right like something in a Disney princess movie. But I certainly didn't expect to be handed a subtle-like-a-freight-train hint from the Universe, either. It seemed to say, "Life ain't fair, and life is too short - make today count."

My friend Molly is currently serving as a Catholic missionary at an orphanage in Haiti. With yesterday's 7.0 magnitude earthquake, her family still doesn't know if she's okay or not. One of our other friends from UP was visiting her at the orphanage this week, and has thankfully made it back to the US Embassy with a broken arm, but is otherwise (according to her Facebook page) fine. Apparently, she was on the top floor of the building, and Molly was on the fifth floor when the earthquake struck and the building collapsed. If you're reading this, please say a quick prayer for Molly and her family, that she is found safe and that her family has the strength to endure whatever comes their way, and for our other UP friend, that she gets home quickly and safely, and has a quick recovery.

To add insult to injury, this morning I get an e-mail from my dad (we work for the same company), saying that my ex-boss died last night. Just out of the blue, -wham!- he keels over from a heart attack. Granted, he didn't live the healthiest lifestyle, but still. You never expect the heart attacks, the earthquakes, or the strike of the lightening bolt. We all go about our daily lives with a feeling of immortality, until God comes along and reminds us how precious life is, and how we need to thank Him every day for receiving the gift of life.

Stop and smell the roses. Tell someone you love them. Smile to a stranger on the street, and go ahead and eat that chocoalte. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff, so make each second count. And please keep praying for the people of Haiti.