Life matters

I just watched a movie where one of the characters said, "Life matters... even if only to the person living it."

There have been a lot of people who have influenced my life. I won't start naming folks for fear of leaving someone out. One first thinks of family, friends, teachers, pastors, coworkers. These are the ones who have lived with me and walked with me through the days and years of my life. They've seen me in good times and bad and I am grateful for them.

But, I can't ignore the folks whose life just brushes mine -- the people whose names I don't know, but whose actions influence me. I remember a situation at work from years ago. A client was so angry, he lashed out at me, calling me filthy names and mocking me. He was angry about his life situation, but he made fun of my physical inabilities -- all the things that go along with my ataxia. I was crushed at the time and had to leave work for a while to compose myself. I don't remember who he was and it's not important. What's important is that it caused me to do some soul-searching to try to figure out if I had aggravated his situation or not.... and to change things that were my fault in any way. He helped me to realize that we all have problems in life, but some of us just have problems that are more visible than others. He helped me to realize the need to be kind to all people I meet.

There are also folks who have made my life easier and I try to remember to thank them as I go along. As my ataxia worsens, I rely upon people more and more to do things for me. One of the greatest gifts a person can offer me is to open a door. Many, many people have done so. I used to tell people "No thanks, I can do it myself." Then, I realized that I was denying them the opportunity to give me what they had to offer. It's something I learned from children. Kids usually don't have the resources to give material things, but their kindnesses are a true blessing. I've realized that accepting a gift graciously is as important as giving. I'd much rather receive a sloppy kiss and hug from a three-year-old than anything from a department store.

So, does life matter? Yes, my life matters to me. I thank God for all the people who have touched mine in big or small ways. Whether it is for years or seconds, those brushes with another person are very important. I wonder how my life has touched others....