As I write this, I mourn with our nation, the loss of twenty children, ages six and seven, along with heroic adults who tried to save them. The Newtown, Connecticut slayings are too horrendous to comprehend.
There is no way to make sense of tragedy at this magnitude. There are no clear answers to the why questions. I’ll leave those ponderings to people with greater minds than my own.
But this reminds me of important Life Lessons I learned several years ago when I almost died. 
- When troubled by minor frustrations, remember, If this is the worst thing that happens, it’s been a good day.
- Life is too short to waste, make good use of it.
- Resolve to be a Giver, not a Taker.
- Don’t allow laziness to creep in and steal your ability to make a difference in this world. One person CAN enact positive change.
- Be a Doer, and not a Hearer only.
- Invest your talents wisely, for God’s glory, and the good of mankind.
- Love deeply, give generously, and live like you won’t have tomorrow. Pursue beauty and goodness.
Not only have these principles helped me succeed, but the consequences of better choices and attitudes ensure an increase of peace-filled, happy days. I struggled for months in the aftermath of my near-death experience, but I also learned how to live with passion and intent. I wish we humans could embrace deeper meaning without the requirement of deep sorrow, but sadly, it seems we must be driven to our knees before we can understand the true gift of our pain-free moments.
None of us knows what the next hour will bring. But trusting God who does know, and investing every second we are given for good, can turn a tragic situation into a tremendous opportunity.
Nothing will bring the innocents of the Newtown massacre back to earth. But those of us left behind can honor them with our daily choices. We can live with gusto, with determination, with gratitude.
We can hope in eternity, where children laugh at the feet of Jesus. Where He lets them scramble on His lap, and kisses their foreheads. Where there is no more pain, no more sorrow, and He personally wipes the tears from their eyes.
Life is too short to waste, and our time on earth is the one chance we are given to live on purpose. In honor of every innocent life taken before its time, let those of us left behind, show our gratitude by giving all we can for the greater good of humanity. Do not let your life be one that’s wasted. Pursue beauty, and share it with the world when you find it.
Anita Fresh Faith
How do you cope when you are blindsided by tragedy?
Psalm 34:14 (NIV)
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business and Inspirational Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Productivity Expert, Certified Training Facilitator, Communications Specialist, national speaker, and author of the soon-to-be released book, First Hired, Last Fired — How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market.
She’s a partner in The Zenith Zone, a business coaching firm. Member of the Christian Writer’s Guild, client of WordServe Literary Group, graduate of CLASSeminars for Leaders, Speakers, and Authors, a co-founder of The StoryWriting Studio, and speaker on circuit for Stonecroft International Ministries.
Anita’s passionate about business with integrity, healthy relationships, and issues of identity. She travels the country teaching others from her personal experiences and research. She believes it’s never too late for a fresh start with fresh faith. Anita lives in Missouri with her husband Ricky.
Follow her FreshFaith blog anitabrooks.com. You may contact her via website anitabrooks.com/contact/ or email anita.freshfaith@gmail.com.
Excellent truths. Excellent reminders. Luke 7:50: “…Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.”