Like so many of us, I was shocked and saddened by the sudden deaths of nine people yesterday in a helicopter crash in southern California. Most of the focus has rested on Kobe Bryant and his daughter. Yet one family lost both parents and their younger daughter. It was just a routine trip to the kids’ basketball games. Simple. Straightforward. Yet, in an instant, they are no more.

Mortality is a slap in the face… with a iron fist. It knocks us silly, that is, our comfortable, controllable illusion of reality. But it can be a wake up call too. For me, it is a stark reminder to live every moment to its fullest. And, for me, that is allowing the Holy Spirit to open my eyes to what Jesus called “abundant living”. It is growing each day in the deep knowledge that I’m never alone, that I have a faithful Friend to guide and encourage me, that I am continuously surrounded by God’s Power and Love. Each moment is a present, a gift, to live more consciously aware.

I pray for the families who have suffered such unimaginable loss. And I pray that their eyes would be opened to the resources of God’s Love, Comfort, and Shalom that are embracing them for the journey ahead.

Just finished a 7 day water fast and wanted to share a takeaway or two.

1. I broke the fast with a bowl of homemade lentil soup. As I began, I noticed I was paying a lot more attention to each bite. Not unexpected. Texture, flavors were more more savored than usual and I found myself pausing briefly a number of times throughout the meal. A thought popped up: What if you could maintain this mindfulness with food? Could this be a form of gratitude? So I’m setting my sights on eating more slowly, consciously.

2. I also became aware of the passage of time. Without food prep, eating, and a certain bodily function, time seemed to move at a slower pace. This includes while I was working during the day. Not sure exactly what to make of it but a feeling of appreciation comes up. Also, a reflection on being more aware of the flow of my daily activities, Pacing. Timing. Gratitude again? More mindfulness?

Sensing here that God is moving me to pay more attention to the quality of how I move through this life. I know that seems a simple concept but here the gift is experiential. I very much would like to continue in this pattern. And I believe I will.