Life is a gift.

The picture above is Cameron J. Miller, and the one below is of Erin Noble. Cam went to my high school in Gonzaga, and even though I was just an acquaintance at best, I knew he was absolutely hilarious and very intelligent. I found out yesterday he went to the University of Alabama for law, where he graduated magna cum laude. He was working for a firm in Alabama, and he also was coaching 7th and 8th grade lacrosse. He died yesterday due to a brain aneurism from undiagnosed leukemia. Erin was in the grade above me at Pomona, and I knew him even less than Cam. What I did know was that he loved the outdoors and seemed like he had a free spirit. I read yesterday that he traveled the globe, had some amazing adventures, and lived his life to the fullest. He was, in other words, a modern day gypsy; one who was happy, open, and always respectful and joyful. He died yesterday in a plane crash.

I wasn't best friends with these two men. I wouldn't even consider them friends, more acquaintances than anything else. But I know people who were deeply hurt by their passing, and it just made me think about how precious life truly is. I probably never would have seen those guys in those pictures again in life...but now, it is CERTAIN than I never will. Death creates a certainty that is ultimate, infinite, and powerful. It also makes me just so thankful of the gift of life God has given me and the people he has put into it. It makes me reflect on who I am, what I do, and who I'm with...and how appreciative I am of those things.

I read a post someone wrote about Erin, and I saw some questions he posed that I think are good reminders to ask ourselves:

Think about where you’re currently at in life, and where you want to be.  Are you on the path you want? What small change can you make today to start heading in the direction you want to be going?

What do you like to do? Do more of it.

Who do you like to be with? See them more often.

Where do you want to go? Just go, the details are just that.

Who do you want to be? Start being it. The only person who cares about your excuses are you.

And finally, something I read a while ago...Don't let what you want make you forget the things you have. 

Life truly is a gift. In the wan of wanting to pray more and reflect on God more often, this was a definite reminder of the realities in life and that the moments we have are precious and valuable. No time for excuses...just time to be a better person through God and allow Him to work in my life.