holding on

in this life

I came across a song today that I had heard before, but never really listened to. It's called "Broken" by Lifehouse. The chorus says:

"I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing, with a broken heart, that's still beating. In the pain, there is healing. In your name, I find meaning, so I'm holding on."

This really spoke to me. Life is hard, we all know that. Whether you're having family problems, issues at work, health problems, self-esteem issues, relationship troubles, or even problems with your walk with God, you're still here, and you should make the best of it. Even when everything seems to be going wrong, and you feel like you're in a dark tunnel and can't quite get to the light at the end, God is there. He always has been, and always will be.

We often stress out over small things. Don't get me wrong, they're big at the time, but in the end, it sometimes seems foolish to have worried so much. By worrying, we miss out on the small, amazing things in life, such as birthdays, love, and family time. We get so wrapped up in ourselves, we can't seem to stop for one second to notice someone else. When is the last time you called a family member just to talk, or just to say, "I love you."? When is the last time you truly laughed? How about the last time you sat outside to listen to the crickets and look at the stars? Most people don't have enough time for that. The chirp of a cricket is my favorite sound in the world. Let me explain.

When I was nine years old, I heard the crickets for the first time. Being hearing impaired, you miss a lot of things. I was in the garage with my mom one night and I kept hearing this loud ringing. I thought it was my ears, but when i asked my mom if she heard ringing, she told me all she heard were crickets. Completely baffled, I asked her what they sounded like, because I had no idea that crickets made noises. My mom stood in the garage with me for a long time, hugging me and listening to the crickets with me as she cried.

I don't know if any of you have something sentimental like that, but that one night is something that is in my memories forever. Today was my Grandma's birthday. We sat outside at her momma's old house under the trailer shelter in the pouring rain and thunder, just talking. I have never seen someone so content in my life. My Grandma offered to say grace, and with the rain being so loud on that tin roof, I didn't quite catch all she said, but I know I heard her say how thankful she was for all God has given her, and how much she loves her family. My Grandma is one of the most important people in my life, and without her, I don't know what I would do. Seeing her smile that big was all I needed to be happy for the rest of the day.

The smallest things can make the biggest difference. A smile can change a lifetime. I have a challenge for you.

Sometime this week, I want you to stop everything you're doing. If possible, call your Mom, Dad, children, or even sibling, and just tell them that you love them. Even if that's all you say, say it. Then, get someone you're close with but haven't talked to enough lately, and go sit outside one night. Look at the stars, talk about life, and listen to the crickets for me.(: