I used this quote for another post a few months back but it's worth repeating. 

Jack Dawson, "I figure life’s a Gift and I don’t intend on wasting it. You don’t know what hand you’re gonna get Dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you . . . to make each day count."

In what ways are we perhaps missing the opportunity to make the most of every moment? In an instant everything can change. I recently received a prayer request for a friend's daughter who has a brain tumor at four years old. Please pray for her. It is news like that which makes you do a full stop and wakes you up to the sufferings of others. Whatever you are going through in life suddenly is put in perspective.

This means we have a choice.

We can dwell in past hurts or current sufferings or future worries, or we can rise above them, embrace them, and triumph over them. Not to say that we shouldn't acknowledge pain and call a spade a spade. That has its place. I mean when it becomes all-consuming to the point where we are just taking in a colorful scene and painting it black all around us. Some situations may have no silver lining, but as long as you stay in the boat and keep sailing, that may be your greatest victory.

We are dealt all kinds of hands in life. The key is to know how to play. That might mean not playing certain games to begin with, knowing when to bow out gracefully, or, just maybe, that bottom of the ninth feeling when you're down by three and have a chance for a grand slam. Most of life is about showing up, being present, and not giving up for anything.

Don't Waste the hand you're dealt. Life is a gift, so take life as it comes and remember, "you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~ A. A. Milne