In the past three months I have lost three valuable people in my life which makes you stop and value what truly matters.

First I lost my editor, Jerry, who was a key contributor to our local newspapers and a cornerstone to our communities because he focused on keeping everyone informed about what was going on in our little worlds. I say “worlds” because often we get so caught up in our own lives that we lose perspective on the real world and others around us. However, I am thankful when I first started at the newspaper he was gracious enough to take me under his wing and show this “kid” the ropes of working together on a community newspaper. I just wish I’d told him more often how appreciative I was of his expertise from 50 years in journalism.

Two weeks after Jerry passed, my best friend, who is also my sister-in-law, lost her mom. Sandra was also an important part of my life especially my younger years. She was like a second mom to me and was always so kind and considerate. Unfortunately, life has a way of getting too busy and I regret not spending more time with her until it was her final days.

Lastly, I lost my great Aunt Donna this last week. I was named after her and she was one heck of a prayer warrior and so loving. She was such a familyoriented woman of God who prayed earnestly for her children and grandchildren. Though she might have physically prayed her last prayer on this side of heaven I believe those prayers are still surrounding the throne because His Word will never pass away. While attending her funeral Friday in Oklahoma City and listening to her family and friends describe such a beautiful soul again I had regrets of not going up to visit more often. My sweet mama had asked if we could drive up and meet with Aunt Donna and her last remaining sibling Aunt Carol and her husband Uncle Duane who my brother was named after. All these precious people that I loved and now wish I’d found the time to talk to more often.

This is why it’s so important to value what truly matters in this life. These values are the compass that guide our lives and set us on a course that defines what our world will look like. Good and godly values help us make decisions that will align our journeys with who will inspire us and who we will aspire to be. Understanding that means life is what we truly make of it. Do we have deep, defining core values that lead us to live this life intentionally? Do we embrace the beauty of this life and show kindness to all?

After so much loss I want to stop and re-evaluate my journey. Am I navigating life’s challenges with integrity, consistency, and compassion? Am I an asset to my community and coworkers like Jerry was? Do I look for ways to help others like Sandra did, while ensuring we stay true to ourselves as well? Am I committed to my family like Aunt Donna was? Do I have the core values which allow me to create a life that is not only successful, but also meaningful and authentic?

When I think of all these specific values I think of accountability. That accountability means I accept the responsibility of my own actions, decisions and the consequences which could be good or bad.

When I think of core values I think of altruism at its finest. True altruism is characterized by unselfish actions which benefit everyone else but you. It should cost you something and be driven by empathy rather than obligation. This kindness may sacrifice your personal gain or comfort to benefit the group as a whole. Do you have what it takes?

I want my deepest core values to reflect attentiveness and authenticity. I want to be intentional to be considerate, thoughtful and honest. I want to give my undivided focus to tasks I must accomplish and see people who I may have overlooked. Hopefully this will foster trust, teach respect and make me mindful to be present in the moment. Today is all we have. Tomorrow is not promised.

This in turn will bring authenticity to be true to my own character so I can relate honestly with others. I need to align my spirit with His Spirit so my internal values dictate my external actions. If I can’t be true to myself and my God how will I ever to true to something or someone else?

Last, but not least, I want to embrace every day I’m given and be appreciative of everyone I have in my life. I want to make sure that my coworkers, my friends and my family know how much they mean to me. I want them to know that I value and love them dearly.

This life was never promised to be an easy one but I will do my best to value what matters most. I will cherish others and every breath I take as I continue this journey because it matters. You matter. And most of all, we matter to Him.