140 Days
I cried this morning, along with the nation, over the release of Euna Lee and Laura Ling- two amazingly brave young women. I am sure everyone knows the details. But in addition to rejoicing, collectively, I’d like us to take a few moments and consider 140 days of life. This amounts to over 3 months of living these women have spent in horrific conditions and continual fear.
What have we done in three months? I know I’ve hugged my babies, smiled at the warm sun, and walked in the rain a few times. I’ve experienced spring and relished in summer. Most of us have, and taken for granted some of those little pleasures of life. Meanwhile, two women across the world, survived moment by moment, uncertain if they would ever resume normal lives again.
Today, in the midst of your busy life, I’d like you to go back in your minds eye and reflect on the last 140 days. Think about all the countless smiles, hugs and memories shared with your families and loved ones. We’ve all been given a gift in liberty. I am positive Euna Lee and Laura Ling have a renewed appreciation for freedom. As we celebrate their narrow escape from a 12 year stint in hard labor camps, let’s take a few minutes to celebrate our own freedoms. We’ve had 140 more days of liberty than Euna and Laura. Even though the economy and finances can seem a bit daunting, there is still much right with the world. We need to embrace our liberty and our families today with renewed joy, right along with Euna Lee and Laura Ling.