Dear, June.

It’s been a year since God brought my Grandma June Home. I know that doesn’t mean much to you, unless you knew her, but I hope you can take something from this post that I have paid more attention to this past year.

Every day, we wake up and take many things for granted. We get annoyed at the sound of our alarm clock or the birds chirping too early. We mindlessly go through our routines, frustrated with the weather or traffic. We forget to realize how lucky we are. How lucky are we to wake up when someone else didn’t? How lucky are we to be able to move and accomplish simple tasks like brushing our teeth in the morning when someone else physically can’t?

In today’s society, many people are caught up in technology, “first world problems,” and keeping up with the Joneses. While technology is helpful, it also takes us away from what truly matters. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:25, “Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”

We get frustrated when the Wi-Fi is slow and when there are too many choices on a menu. We are impatient waiting in lines and bored when we run out of shows to watch. We are jealous when someone has more. We have become greedy and selfish, taking for granted what truly matters: love.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

Love is having patience when you’re stuck behind a slow driver because it’s really just a young kid driving for the first time. Love is being kind to someone who is having a bad day. Love is sharing what you have with others, not flaunting it. Love is forgiving. Love does not gossip; it compliments. Love is still having dreams when your plans just failed.

This past year has changed me and shown me so much. Life can be both long and short. Don’t waste it on superficial things and always looking for the next big thing. Enjoy what you have and live in the moment. Money can always be made, but memories can’t. Say you’re sorries and you’re “I love you’s.” I hope you think more about what you do, as you do it and think how lucky you are that you GET to do it, not HAVE to do it. Whether you will live a long or short life, (you never know what is in God’s plan) — make it worth it and do it right.

Start over today and appreciate everything. Show gratitude for what you have and cherish each moment. Remember that many people would be happy in the situations you might complain about. Don’t take anything for granted. Embrace love, kindness, and patience, and let these guide you in everything you do. Remember to thank God when praying and pray for those who don't have a prayer. Live with a heart full of love and hands ready to help.