Approximately three years ago I received a telephone call from a friend inquiring if I had heard that a mutual friend had passed away. I was stunned upon hearing this news, and responded that I had not heard of his passing. This friend, whose name is David McCain, and I have been friends for about seventeen years. It has been almost three years since we have seen each other. During the preceding year we had talked a few times about getting together to share a meal. I recalled he had come through the town where I live, but had been unable to find me. Upon hearing that he had apparently passed away, I regretted these missed opportunities. If only, I had made more of an effort to spend time with David.
But I still could not believe this news. I remembered that David had suffered a heart attack a few years before. But he had enjoyed a good recovery. He also maintains a heavy schedule. I did not want to believe that David had passed away. I thought about his wife, Janice, and their children. This is one of the happiest families I know.
Soon I went to the internet and did some research about David’s apparent passing. In the newspaper in which I was looking, I did find that David McCain had passed away. His funeral had been during the past week. But the David McCain who had passed away was not the same David McCain who is my friend. I was greatly relieved. But to complete this cycle, I immediately called my friend, David. His wife answered the phone. The first thing I asked her was, “How is David?” I told her the story of what had happened. Then David and I shared a typical conversation for us. We enjoyed a good visit on the phone. Also, we made plans to get together and enjoy supper one night in Mount Pleasant, where he lives.
This episode reminded me of some important life’s lessons. Please consider these carefully. I hope they will benefit your life.
1. One of life’s greatest treasures is a good friend. Good friends can serve as “shock absorbers” during the difficult and challenging times of life. While during our lives we make many acquaintances, good friends occupy a special place. Therefore as we live our lives, we need to make a special effort to cultivate good friendships.
2. Good intentions alone seldom enrich our lives. It is easy to make plans. Also, it requires no effort to discuss things that ought to be done. Before confirming that my friend David had not passed away, I thought about the intentions we had to meet together. I will admit there was feelings of regret beginning to burn within my heart.
3. Let’s use the opportunities of today to their greatest benefit. The reality is that life is brief, fragile, and uncertain. A person who is seemingly in the best of health today can pass away before the next morning. If there is a friend or a loved one we have intended to visit, resolve to do this as soon possible. Today is the only day of which we can be sure.
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