I am 47 years old… And I am just now figuring what what is really important in life. Call me a slow learner. I figured out somewhere along the way that serving my family and those closest to me in the Spirit of Christ is of utmost importance. I am not sure exactly what caused it, but a few years ago I figured out that life was too short to allow fractured relationships to remain in that state. I went back seeking forgiveness and attempted to make amends for misdeeds. I reestablished contact with friends I had not spoken to you in years.

I spend my time doing different things than I did 10 years ago. I try to do a better job expressing compassion. I try harder to attend funerals. I try to listen more and talk less. I tend to become more emotional when I hear sad news about someone I love.

Why has it taken me so long to reach this point? It makes me wonder what I will figure out I should have been doing all along when I turn 60. Why am I slow learner? Is that just the nature of life? I am very aware these days that I still have a lot to learn.

Life experience continues to be a good instructor. In fact, life experience serves as a constant reminder of what is really important. Just this week life taught me a few things. A close friend buried her 28 year old sister this week. A mentor and hero of mine was diagnosed with cancer this week. Another dear friend was also diagnosed with cancer this week. She is a year younger than me. Two other friends are grieving the loss of their father this week. And two friends who live in different states are dealing with addiction issues in their families this week.

Am I depressed by now? Not at all. I figured out somewhere along the way that life is not a big party. I still have a lot to learn, but I have figured out that nothing could be more important than serving those I love in the Spirit of Christ. Learning something and doing it are two very different things. I don’t want to reach age 60 and realize what I should have doing all along, so I am trying really hard to practice what I have learned! And it not always very easy!
Of course there is still so much to learn… I wonder what I will learn tomorow or the next day?
I really don’t know. When it comes to life lessons, I hope that I will cease to be a slow learner!