Putting It All In To Perspective

You know there is so much going on in the world today. Literally just this day alone, the world market has bounced back with an 888 climb in the Dow. Whatever that means, I know its good. Christians are being tortured and murdered in India. The war still rages on in Iraq. Crazy Kim Jong II has recovered from his stroke and is still ruling North Korea. There are floods in Yemen, Prince Charles is worried about the climate, while thousands of people are running from rebels in the Congo. Hundreds of thousand of people across the U.S. are waiting in voting lines up to 12 hours long for this historical election, with racial and ideology division brewing hatred and fear.

It all sounds pretty troubling. The economy is at an all time low and if you haven't been downsized, retired early or fired you are probably worried it's just around the corner. Your grocery bills are too high, the price of gas to fuel your car has finally gone down, but the price to heat your home has gone up. You have auto repairs and medical bills and your water heater went out. Your oldest child or your youngest child just got in to some minor trouble with the law, or they got a bad grade in school. The price of day care is eating up your pay check. The lists can go on and on.

And its all about power and money.

As we worry over all of those cares this week, one of our celebrated young women, Jennifer Hudson has lost almost her entire family in a heinous crime. Mother,Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and 7 year old nephew Julian King, have been violently murdered. Jennifer has realized the start of a budding and brilliant career, is newly engaged to a handsome and successful man, admired by thousands of fans, and yet I'd bet she would give it all back to have those three people alive and well. Three trips, in less than a week to the coroners office to identify the remains of her loved ones. Can you imagine?

When you look at the tragedy happening in this young woman's life and that of her sister Julia Hudson, doesn't it make your problems seem a little small today?

Have you told the people in your life that you love them? Are you with the one you love or wasting years with someone you are entirely incompatible with? Have you kissed your child, your mother or your brother today? Have you taken a niece or a nephew for some special time alone? When is the last time you spoke to your grandparents? Have you hugged your dad lately?

As I pray for Jennifer and Julia I am humbly reminded that we are all mortal. We get so caught up with the cares of our immediate world and the world at large that we forget it is all temporary. Those frightening headlines and bills and career dilemmas seem so monumental. We strive to achieve or to get by, exhaust so much energy in worry or competition. And yet no matter what our level of success or burdens, the only, truly important thing, is family.

That's melavision what's yours?