Sometimes there are moments in life that put everything into perspective. These moments happen suddenly, spontaneously, and within a breath they challenge and change that which you knew and thought was important.

Take, for instance, a day at the hospital with a mom who's son was dying. No longer concerned about the lateness of bills, she asked, "What's only $1.50 more for a late fee compared to this now?" That put it all into perspective.

She didn't say stop living; she just agreed the mundane had now become unimportant.

This happens daily in lives throughout our world. What's a dentist appointment compared to a widow whose husband was killed for his belief? Or what about those in dark prison cells wondering if justice will ever be served? It is things like these that make us wonder what's really important in life - and, am I living for it? Am I living in a way that I'm making a difference in the important things, and not just the mundane?

Paperwork, bills, appointments. These are all necessary throughout life, but when something happens like a sudden loss of home to fire, or a life to an accident, the importance all but goes away, and we begin to question and treasure that which really matters.

For after a loss, one treasures the little things, like a friendly smile, a helping hand. A prayer offered in faith. A shoulder to grieve on. Or a friend who cares to bring a casserole.

And then sometimes, it is through these things, these tragic moments, that we realize the things of true importance: that there is a God who cares, there is a body who shows Him, and it is our name He knows. And we can know Him.

We can know Him in joy and in tragedy, in friendship and through hatred. We can know there is a God who cares, who loves, and whose desire is for us to know Him. His arms are wide open, even in the midst of everyday life and tragic moments. His love never leaves, forsakes or fades. It is everlasting.

And that is what matters most.

A few weeks ago I was telling God how I was feeling like I was out on a limb with many things. His quick response was, "At the end of the branch is where the fruit grows."

A few days ago I was struggling between desires of my heart and thoughts of my mind. In frustration I asked when I should just follow my heart. The answer came quickly. "Never." Then, after a pause, "Follow mine."