By Tanya Wilson
In recent weeks, believing that I was battling a resistant strain of strep throat, I took antibiotics and waited for improvement to my condition. After five days of no real change except beginning to resemble the Eddie Murphy character in the Klumps, double chin and all; I drove myself to a hospital emergency room.
Four days later, I awakened to learn that my immediate family had been called in from across the country with a diagnosis that if conditions did not improve, I was not going to make it. What I thought was strep throat was actually one of the most deadly infections a human being can have in the form of an abscess. Who knew, I had never heard of such a thing!
I share this very personal story not so much because of what happened, but more importantly the experience that I believe we can all benefit from.
As I laid there in ICU fighting for my life, I was face to face with what is truly important in life. It was clear that life is short and that how that time was used was important.
Ecclesiastes 5:18 came to mind; “Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot”. Each day is a gift. Time out for the things that really don’t matter. Matthew 6:25-34 puts it best when it reminds us not to worry, that if the sparrow will be taken care of, why would we be concerned about our care.
Family and friends were so important during this time in my life. Unfortunately, there were many cases within those hospital walls where people didn’t make it and many that cried out in regret because they allowed things that didn’t matter to interfere with the relationship with those they were now saying goodbye to.
Be reminded that every day matters and that life is to be enjoyed with those that you love. Your legacy matters and your gifts belong only to you, share them. Live each day on purpose.
I thank God that I lived to tell it!
Tanya M. Wilson is an inspirational speaker and writer living in Charlotte. You contact her at tw360you@aol.com
Other articles by Tanya Wilson:
Is Ray Lewis Less Christian Than Tim Tebow?
Charlie Wilson Testifies About the Lord During Charlotte Show
