What Really Matters?

The brevity of life has struck me hard today.

I lost a patient.

Two days ago, we played checkers and laughed at how long it had been since she'd played the game. Today my heart aches as I think no one will ever see that beautiful smile and twinkling eyes again on this side of heaven.

What really matters? Do our careers REALLY mean so much that we put the blessings in life to the side?

Is that hour of peace and quite really more important than a day with our energetic little ones?

Is our own comfort and convenience worth making our parents endure the monotony and loneliness of nursing homes during their final days?

I have spent too much of my life being selfish.

It's time I learned what really matters.

I don't think I'm alone.