Circle of Life

If you ever watched "The Lion King," you'll recall the Elton John song, "Circle of Life." The song and story -- as in real life -- illustrates the fact that as some people leave our lives, a new person can fill that empty spot in your heart. This has hit close to home over the past few days.

Last night we visited my friend Becky to see her new baby boy. I had no idea that at the exact same moment I was cuddling and rocking her newborn son, the mother of a close friend of mine was fighting for her life after a car accident. Unfortunately, Toni's mom didn't make it.

It was a cruel twist of fate. Helen had battled cancer and beat it. She was recently given a clean bill of health and the family breathed a little sigh of relief. They had hope again.

How unfair it seems when God unexpectedly takes away a loved one. When we're struggling in the depths of pain and grief, it doesn't make sense to us. But when that passes -- and it may take a very long time -- we realize we can and should celebrate that person's life. And be grateful we were a part of it.

This is why we must tell our friends and family we love them. And tell them often. Tell them today. Tomorrow may be too late.

Circle of Life

From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There's more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There's far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round

It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life.