Unless you have been living under a rock or have decided to take a break from social media, you are no doubt aware of the plethora of bad news.
There is the Malaysia Airlines flight 370 carrying 239 passengers that is still missing. Then there was the incident at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas where 2 people were killed and 23 people were injured when an intoxicated driver steered into a crowd. There is also the apartment building explosion in New York where at least seven people were killed and nine people remain missing. Oh and let’s not forget Justin Bieber is still out of control. Okay, I admit the last story doesn’t carry the same significance but for some reason, the media keeps trying to get us to pay attention.
Life Changing
However, the first three new stories have great value because they are reminders of just how fragile and uncertain life can be. One minute you are boarding a plane to take a routine trip; one minute you are enjoying yourself at a music and film festival; one minute you are simply watching TV in your home and all seems right with the world.
Then the next minute arrives and suddenly no one knows your whereabouts; you are injured or deceased; you are homeless or dead and nothing will ever be the same. This is the fate of those connected with the tragic news stories. For the victims and survivors, the world that they once knew has turned completely upside down.
Two Minute Warning
Imagine how great would it be if life like football or basketball provided us with a two-minute warning? Each time a potential life changing event was about to occur, the two-minute warning would be announced so that we could assess our current life strategy.
“Two minutes, two minutes, dos minutos!” our life broadcaster might exclaim. Accompanying this warning would be up to date cautionary information about the choices we are about to make. “Your flight is going to go missing.” “Some drunk guy is going to drive down the street.” “Your home is about to explode.” Without question, no one would board the plane, none of us would be standing in the street, and none of us would be anywhere near our home.
Just My Imagination
Sadly, life doesn’t appoint a life broadcaster who can alert us in advance of those crucial moments in life. The best that we can hope to do is make the most of the moments we have as they are unfolding before us. In short, the best thing we can do is stay in the present and live life in the moment.
So the next time you want to yell or scream at your child think about the value of that interaction if your child was among the 239 missing Malaysia Airline passengers. The next time you decide to stop speaking to your child think about the parents who will never be able to again communicate with those children rundown in the street. And when you have the chance to rise above domestic chaos think about the families who will never have an opportunity to amend family discord because of a collapsed apartment.
“Two Minutes, Two Minutes, Dos Minutos!”
We may never have a life broadcaster who can warn us of critical moments in advance but we can use the tragic news stories as our cautionary warning. Life is erratic and unreliable so before you let passions grow out of control or be consumed by anger, take two minutes to think about what you might feel if you never had an opportunity to see or speak to your child or loved one again.
Oh and one last thing, if by some unfortunate chance you run into Justin Bieber, his parents, his lawyer, or his entourage, please don’t give any of them a two-minute warning instead put them all in time out immediately.
Are there times where a two-minute warning would have benefited you?
Wonderful write up Nate. One of my favorites so far although all of them inspire me to become a better parent. And JB needs a very very long time out!