Flying First Class. Check that one off my bucket list.
What's on your bucket list--the things you desire to do before you kick the bucket?
Flying First Class was on mine. Of course, I didn't plan on paying for it. I wanted bumped into it. Last Saturday it happened. A delayed flight caused United to reroute me to another airplane. The only seats available were First Class.
I sank into the cushy leather, sipped OJ, didn't feel fat because I wasn't wedged into a seat that (from the width of it) had to have been made in China to fit the size of an average Chinese rump. My arms and legs were not glued to my sides in fear that I might brush against the stranger beside me. There was lots of room.
My flight was comfortable and restful. It was not satisfying.
I scratched "Flying First Class" off my bucket list and reflected on the things in life that never made my bucket list, but should have:
Being with my dad, giving him his last hair comb, feeding him his last meal, holding his hand when God took him to Heaven.
Knowing the warmth of grandchildren's arms wrapped around my neck.
Peeling apples with my mother on the back porch.
Seeing my son's feet touch American soil after a tour in Iraq.
Growing old with the love of my life.
Writing books that change lives.
Pushing my mother in her wheelchair on a Spring Day, thanking God that she didn't die young.
Comforting a crying baby in the middle of an African jungle.
Singing Christmas carols and crying around a Christmas Eve dinner with a 90-year old widow.
Holding my new-born babies.
Treasuring the special place grandchildren hold in my heart.
Praying with hurting women and watching Jesus take their pain away.
Feeling a new-born's cheeks against mine.
Surrendering my life to God and accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and my Savior.
Telling as many as I can that Jesus is the way, the truth, the life.
These are the things that bring a Splash of Serenity to life. What's on your bucket list?
This Thanksgiving may we be thankful for the things that really matter.
Thanksgiving blessings with a Splash of Serenity,
Elaine
I love these, especially the ones about your parents.
ReplyDeleteBut you made me curious--why was the 1st class flight not satisfying?
If I flew 1st class, I'd be irritated at the little curtain separating me from the others in the back of the plane. I wouldn't want them feeling inferior to me. Because we're all on the same plane, right? Some of us just have a fatter wallet. Maybe I'll write an article...
Thanks, Jeanette. Flying first class seemed so shallow compared to the things in life that really make you feel rich--the things that should have madae my bucket list. Happy Thanksgiving to YOU! P.S. There was no curtain on this flight. I was glad.
ReplyDeleteGreat list. Makes you really think what is of importance and what REALLY matters. :O)
ReplyDeleteI love your list! Heart things that are truly important.
ReplyDeleteElaine,
ReplyDeleteI honestly don't have a bucket list but have caught myself saying "Someday I would like to..." but haven't necesarily written them in a list. I've tried to think of what those things are but nothing comes to mind - I belive this is in thanks to my Gram. My Gram encouraged me to take advantage of precious moments and make memories and the importance of living each day. She understood neither her or I knew what tomorrow or even five minutes from now would bring - instead of worrying about tomorrow or making a list for things to do, she echoed the Nike commercial, "Just do it!" She was a spunky Irish woman with a love for her family and God - sharing her words of wisdom.
I'm so happy and blessed in the experiences I've had in my life - those last feedings, walks and breaths with my beloved Gram and aunts especially. Thank you for bringing those memories and their importance to my mind during this Thanksgiving time. :) You've brought a smile to me.
I still say "Someday..." and others have a "Bucket-list" yet the most important piece of advice you gave us "This Thanksgiving may we be thankful for the things that really matter."
Thanks Elaine!!! :)
Lisa
Beautifully written, Lisa. You brought a tear to my eye. I am richly blessed by all my beautiful friends. Thanks to all who commented. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteI don't have a bucket list either. Life is so precious and God is so Good. His gifts come in surprising packages and wrappings. I love your list,the things that truely matter. A life lived with eternity in view is what I want! Isn't HE wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI love your list too. So many heartfelt wishes and dreams are a part of it!
ReplyDeleteOne of the things on my bucket list is/was to go to another country (besides Canada). My husband and I briefly went to the Bahamas on a cruise last January, but didn't spend a lot of time on shore. I'd like to go and spend a few days some where -- anywhere in a foreign land and meet the people there. This has been made harder for me lately as I now have COPD thanks to secondhand smoke and need to take along an oxygen concentrator and Cpap machine everywhere I go. :0( But not impossible.....
I've scratched off one of my bucket list items in the last year. Both my husband and I got our pistol permits! Crazy, I know, but just had to do it. I do have a pistol, but need to get to the range and actually shoot it.
Love your blog -- Diane E. sent me your way some time ago and I visit sometimes! Be blessed....
Elaine,
ReplyDeleteThis year, instead of making a new year's resolution, we are making a family bucket list ~a list of all of the things we want to do together as a family. I fear some of the crazy things my boys may come up with, but I am looking forward to the memories we will make.
I've always said that when I retire, I want to rock sick babies in the hospital. I will get to check that off my list in a couple of months. We have an opportunity to go to Guatemala in April and I will be spending at least one day in the AIDS orphanage. I can't wait to get my hands on those babies!!! Thanks Elaine, for sharing the important things in life.
That's an awesome list. I love the one about your dad. My dad is sick right now with at least 15 brain tumors. Every day with him is a gift.
ReplyDeleteDarlene, Thanks for your comment. I'm so sorry about your dad. Glad my blog encouraged you.
ReplyDeleteKarin, You are going to Guatemala? How exciting. Hug those babies for me too!
What a great and even humbling post. Thanks, Elaine.
ReplyDeleteWell said. :)
ReplyDeleteYou know Elaine, I really don't have a bucket list. I only wish to grow old so that I can help my children (if they want me to) as they parent their children, and be able to bless others. I have received more than enough from God and am quite content in all he has given me.
ReplyDeleteSome days I get selfish and forget this truth, but if I stop and remember all He has given me, I feel more than blessed.
This is beautiful, and so timely for me. My dearest friend and I have recently started compiling our own bucket lists--some things we'll do together, and others individually.
ReplyDeleteI like that you're looking also at the things you've already done, not just that which you could still do.
Thanks, Janna. God has so many surprises in life. He's got our bucket lists full already, we just need to make sure we empty it of all its treasures. Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteElaine,
ReplyDeleteYour list is a gentle reminder of the important things in life. Your father's last hair comb, time spent pushing your mom in her wheelchair on a Spring day...these are the things that everyone should set time aside for. I've never really had a bucket list but if I did, I'd hope it would resemble this list.
Thank you! I pray those reading it will adjust their bucket lists to include creating precious time and memories with our loved ones, and God.
Lisa ;)