A friend shared this story and I thought perhaps we could all use a little introspective look at our lives and what is really important.

When I was a kid, my mom liked to make breakfast food for dinner every now and then. And I remember one night in particular when she had made breakfast after a long, hard day at work. On that evening so long ago, my mom placed a plate of eggs, sausage, and extremely burned biscuits in front of my dad.

I remember waiting to see if anyone noticed! Yet all my dad did was reach for his biscuit, smile at my mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I’ll never forget what he said— “Honey, I love burned biscuits.”

Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said, “Your momma put in a long hard day at work today and she’s real tired. And besides… a burnt biscuit never hurt anyone!”

You know, life is full of imperfect things… and imperfect people. I’m not the best at anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. What I’ve learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults and choosing to celebrate each others differences, is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, and lasting relationship. So…please pass me a biscuit. And yes, the burned one will do just fine! Life is too short to wake up with regrets… Love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don’t. ENJOY LIFE NOW – IT HAS AN EXPIRATION DATE!

Life is truly what we make of it.  A stroke brings that all into perspective.  There is no time for wasting energy on the inconveniences of life–like a burnt biscuit.  Thank you to all of you who are loving Arla up close and from afar.  She is not a perfect woman, but her heart has always been in the right place.  Thank the Lord for this legacy she has created in her children and those who know her.   She has always believed that you just have to love people and the rest will all work out.