Thoughts of a Random Nature

A few days ago I was given a box of white chocolate fortune cookies (may sound weird but they’re actually pretty good!). Usually, whenever I open a fortune cookie after eating Chinese food, I don’t pay attention to the “fortune”, which is typically not even a fortune but some random cliche or saying. But when I ate one the other night, the message inside, “Cherish the time you have to tell those how much you care.” touched a nerve.

It’s so easy to get caught up in the motions of everyday life and take those closest to us for granted. There are times when I’m friendlier to strangers or people I have a very superficial relationship with than friends or family. When you get comfortable around someone, it’s easier to let your grumpy or moody side show. A mere acquaintance? Then you’re putting your best foot forward. Kind of crazy, huh? As has been proven over several instances, people can be here today and gone tomorrow. I’m sure those who have lost someone close to them would give anything to be able to spend five minutes with that person, and then here I am, putting off calling or sending a message simply saying “Hi” because I’m too tired or busy.

This idea can extend beyond people you are close to. What about that person you haven’t talked to in a few months or years but they’re constantly crossing your mind? It doesn’t take anything to say hi and who knows, it might re-ignite a friendship. Unless the relationship ended on bad terms, most people find it a pleasant surprise to hear from someone they haven’ t talked to in a while (I know I do).

A common saying is “time is money” but time is much more than that. Money can be lost but it can also be earned back. The time you lose with someone you care or love is gone forever. It’s definitely making me start to think how I approach and treat my friendships and relationships. I don’t have much to say today but that one sentence on that fortune cookie touched me so I thought I’d share it

Are you careful to not take time and relationships for granted?

J