In 2009, our friends were hiking Mt. Lassen when their lives changed forever.

Their kids were sitting on a rock wall when it collapsed, rolling down the hill, taking the kids with them.

Their eldest daughter was seriously injured and a helicopter was called to fly her off the mountain.

As they were waiting, their son Tommy, laid down next to his mama, and closed his eyes. He had seemed ok – but he had been bleeding internally and there was nothing anyone could do to save him.

Tommy was one of the kindest, most gentle souls we have ever known. I think of him fondly and often.

His mama was looking at the family photos on their wall one day and realized those were their best times – family times. And with Tommy gone, it would be easy to think the best times were all in the past.

I think that way sometimes – I can’t do what I used to do – so maybe the best times are all behind me.

WHAT IF… the best days are yet to come

As a mom, I can understand how hard it would be to move forward after the death of a child. But Tommy’s mama was willing to want better for her life, because that’s what Tommy would want for her.

She is an inspiration to me. To endure that kind of pain and still find the will to look to the future is strength I pray I never know. Her words encourage me to stop looking at the past as my best days and to look to the future with hope of even better days.

WHAT IF… God has plans for a future I never imagined. Different than before – but every bit as good.

God means for live in joy during our time on this earth. He allows us to feel pain and sadness. Perhaps so we can cherish the good that much more.

How do we feel joy without sorrow? How do we feel goodness without pain? Happiness without sadness? Love without apathy? Compassion without pity? Life without death?

I was contemplating these thoughts when a song came on the radio: “What If today’s the only day I got? Last I checked this heart inside my chest is still beating. I guess it’s not too late.”

Take your WHAT IFS and look forward today. It’s NOT too late!

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“What If” by Matthew West

Lyrics

I’ve heard ’em say before to live just like you’re dying, yeah
Wish I could say that’s how I am but I’d be lying, yeah
Lying in my bed at night one too many times, I’m thinking
What if? (What if?) What if? (What if?)

My biggest fear is waking up to find what matters
Is miles away from what I spent my life chasing after
Is my story gonna have the same two words in every chapter?
What if? (What if?) What if? (What if?)

But last I checked this heart inside my chest, is still beating
Well I guess it’s not too late

What if today’s the only day I got?
I don’t wanna waste it if it’s my last shot, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
No regrets, in the end
I wanna know I got no what-ifs
I’m running ’til the road runs out
I’m lighting it up, I’m right here, right now, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
No regrets, in the end
I wanna know I got no what-ifs, yeah