Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Life from Erma Bombeck


IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's" More "I'm sorry's."
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it.. . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's d oing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let's think about what life HAS blessed us with, and what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally. I hope you have a vibrant day

34 comments:

Still Learning said...

Wow, that was very thought provoking! I loved it. It makes me want to start the day more intentional about finding joyful moments. Thank you for visiting my blog and I am so sorry it has taken me awhile to hop over. (I am still unpacking and in a little chaos from our move). It is a pleasure to meet you and I absolutely love your blog!!

Jenn

Beth E. said...

Ah, yes..."live like you were dying." It does change one's perspective, doesn't it?

I loved Erma Bombeck!

KrippledWarrior said...

Right back at ya, pretty lady.
KW

COUNTRY MOM said...

I have read that before and love it. Family is so important. They grow up way to fast. Blessings,

Debby@Just Breathe said...

This is one of my favorites. If only we could put all of that into practice. Habits are hard to break.

Mari said...

What a lot of wisdom in those few paragraphs! We truly get to caught up in the regular activities of life and don't enjoy it like we should. Thanks for sharing this!

Bentley Boutique said...

Thanks for giving me something to think about today. I'm going to work on at lease 2 of those!!

Crown of Beauty said...

Only a very wise woman could have written all these words...and we are so fortunate to be able to read them to learn how to really live life to the fullest.

Thanks for sharing this.

Love
Lidj

Mich said...

simple verse with a powerful punch.

Thanks for sharing it. I needed the reminder.

Carol said...

Kat,

I love this! I've never read it before. So often I can get caught up in the difficulties in life and not cherish all the moments God has given to me both great and small and everything in between.

It's a great reminder, also, to NOT sweat the small stuff.

Blessings,
Carol

Beth E. said...

I love it when God pulls things together! I work in a church. This morning, the leader of our ladies Bible study group was talking about living life to the fullest. She mentioned an Erma Bombeck column that was written about that. I knew she meant this one! I printed it and took it to her so she could read it to the group. She was amazed...and so was I!

Thanks for being a willing vessel. God has used you to bless many people today!

RCUBEs said...

I love her humor but when I read this before, this was the best piece for me! And I'm glad you shared it today...Lots of lessons, of so many things we take for granted...of love lost when not given or shared...

Love and blessings to you sister!

Loren said...

Wow....I have never read this before but I can say I sure have been thinking things like this lately! Cherishing each and every day, being with family and friends is such a gift. Even if it is being with you here on this computer LOL :)
I love that no matter what I am always encouraged when I come to visit and am praying for the day when that visit will be face to face!!!

love you my dear dear friend!

Wendi said...

Such a powerful piece. I should read it more often.

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

This has always been one of my favorites from EB....Profound words....

the wild raspberry said...

what a wonderful post...

those words really have an impact~~

hugs

chasity

momstheword said...

It really does change one's perspective doesn't it? Sometimes we take things way to seriously!

God a Have Faith said...

Great Post Sweetheart! Makes you stop and think about so many things that we tend to think negatively on rather than seeing the joy in life!

Trying not to Sweat the Small Stuff!

Steve

Kelly said...

I have seen this before and i always enjoy it. Thanks for sharing it!

Daveda said...

AWESOME! I love it. Live everyday to the fullest :) Great post, Kat!

Skoots1moM said...

i miss Erma and her books...and i liked reading her in the paper as well...
her truth speaks volumes :)
thx 4 reminding me of her life lessons

Marie said...

Wonderful thoughts for us all to live by. I try hard to make the best of every day but some days are kinda hard. I am guilty of sweating the small stuff. I know I need to listen more and talk less. Just ask my husband. Ha! My husband and I had a discussion this morning about how blessed we are even in our situation. He can't walk and I am in constant pain but we both said that we should live every day to the fullest.

LV said...

One of my very favorite authors. I love all her books. Thanks for the kind words.

Silver said...

That's like a flash before our eyes, isn't it? Like a wake up call and we all need this ever so often to get us back on track.

~Silver

Mary said...

I just love this, Kat. I remember reading it in the newspaper at the time...what a wonderful lady she was...witty and funny, but so honest about life's ups and downs. We would do well to heed her words! Blessings to you!

Mary

Collette@Jesuslovesmums said...

This is amazing stuff isn't it??? Really puts things in perspective and a real challenge to us all.
p.s. we had Jacob's birthday celebrations on Sunday because he was at school all day yesterday!!! I have a few photos I will get up when I get a chance.
Love Collette xxxx

Edie said...

So true and so hard to do. They say that hind sight is 20/20.

Kelly L said...

I love this - so much wisdom!
Love,
kelly

Denise said...

Very awe inspiring.

Laurie said...

WOW SISTER! I read those words carefully. ENJOY, DON'T FRET, DON'T BE SO UPTIGHT, SAVOR THE MOMENT, they pass. I definitely get it! and, I definitely needed that!
Thanks sister,
Love you, Laurie

Joyce said...

I love this too...life only moves faster as we get older!

Enjoy this day...Joyce

Greg C said...

Yes that's the way I want to live. I am no longer going to sweat the small stuff. This was a very uplifting post. It is a shame that she had to get cancer to make her realize that life is for living.

Billy Coffey said...

Wow, those were wise words!

christy rose said...

"But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it.. . live it and never give it back"
Wow! I still have a shot. My kids are still home. I am taking this wise woman's advice. Like Beth said, "live like we were dying"