Life Is Short–Appreciate It

It’s easy to be consumed by one’s work. In fact, most individuals in legal pursuits seem to pride themselves in it. Unfortunately, this can cause one to lose sight of the things that matter most—our loved ones and health in mind, body, and spirit.

Within the span of two weeks, a dear family friend was gone. Returning home from a favorite pastime, a Florida golf outing, a vivacious family man and father figure to many, suddenly found himself in the final stages of interstitial lung disease. In the coming days his condition worsened until the Lord eventually called him home at the age of 66.

As I sat in church last Friday, all I could think about was how quickly it happened. It wasn’t until the familiar arm around the neck never came, though, that reality set in. But what was that reality? That I was dejected? That a man who always had time for others, and lived life to the fullest, had been taken too early? Or, was it that maybe my own work had begun to blur important aspects of my life?

Yes. Yes. And, yes.

On my way back from Middleton, many thoughts leapt through my head. For the first time in a long time, however, none of those thoughts concerned my work. Rather, I contemplated about a grieving family, and the blessings of my life quickly became evident. Family and friends, and our mutual health—that’s what’s really important. Sure, one’s work is important too, but at the end of the day, these are the people and the reasons why we are able to push forward.

So, as the semester begins to wind down and deadlines approach, don’t lose sight of the things that matter most. Stay close with your loved ones, and make sure that you’re taking care of yourself in the process. While I needed the loss of family friend to become cognizant of this once again, hopefully this post is enough for you.

In memory of Greg Motl.

 

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. David Papke

    I was sorry to learn of the death of Greg Motl. He sounds like a fine person. That having been said, I think you underestimate the way one’s work can provide direction and meaning in one’s life. In the context of advanced capitalism, we are often alienated from our labor. We feel ourselves separated from it and concomitantly assume other things such as loving relatives are more important. In fact, if one is fortunate enough to have rewarding work in and through which one can define oneself, work serves as the real foundation of personal and social life. I love my family and treasure my health, but I count myself among those who find their work extraordinarily important and meaningful.

  2. Jessica Motl

    Well done Nick, and thank you. I think you are right on. The title really says it all. While Greg’s work was joy to him and he to his co-workers, he put his family above all else. And we are all better for it.

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