Brighten Your Day

Some years ago, I posted a short story called "Lessons Learnt". Turns out, I have learnt some more lessons I'd like to share.

Last year, the company I work for held their annual 5K event. I am not the athletic type, at all, but since proceeds are for charity I do these kinds of races every now and then. After the race, a concert was held on the premises. It was a night run, and the place was packed. It seems the excitement of the night and the crowd of people ultimately ‘crowded' my judgment.

I decided to get up from my chair to see the performance a little better as there were persons standing in front of me. I rested my belongings on the chair as one of my friends was sitting near to me. As you probably guessed, by the time I went to sit down again, my stuff was gone. The stuff in question was my grandmother's bag, my keys, money and my phone. I was so devastated! My friends and I couldn't believe what had happened. It was bad enough I had lost my phone, my money but to have lost my grandmother's bag – the thing I got from her that I loved the most – it felt like too much.

This however had put things into perspective for me. Even though the phone was more expensive, my grandmother's bag was of more value. In fact, I would say that it was even priceless. I vowed never to do another 5K run in my life.

One week later, my grandmother passed away. There I was thinking that the bag was such a huge loss. Just when I thought I had put things into perspective earlier, I realized I still had lessons to learn.

• It was not the first time I had something stolen from me at a 5K run. The lesson was not for me to stop participating in the races; it was for me to learn to be more careful and street-smart.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom… ~ Proverbs 4:6-7

• There are items that may have a higher value monetarily, however, they cannot match other “items” in sentimental and/or spiritual value. Therefore, it is important to know what is truly important.

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… ~ Matthew 6: 19-20

• As nice as some material things may be, they will seem immaterial when compared to people and our connection with them. There is no earthly possession that can compare to the relationship I had with my grandmother.

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged… ~ Proverbs 17:6

I am not saying that I shouldn't have been sad when her bag was gone; it would have been nice for me to have the bag as a keep sake of her. But, it won't replace her calling my name, holding my hand or hugging me. My grandmother passed away weeks before her 99th birthday. She was blessed with a long life, but she is gone now, to be home with the One who loves us unconditionally.

Thank you Grandma for still helping me… Rest in Peace.