By Lauren Schwab

This past weekend I learned of news that made me revaluate my life’s priorities and perspective. I naturally try to have a positive perspective and attitude towards life even in the midst of challenges. I hear of the awful things that happen in the world each day, but when something tragic happens to someone you know and admire, you can’t understand why. This past weekend I went on Facebook to find terrible news about a girl Emily who is my age, 26, I met is Washington D.C. in 2010 during National Ag Week. She is a beautiful girl, professional, cares about her health and is a true advocate for agriculture. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University and we spent a day at the Capitol together talking with our representatives about agriculture. I have stayed connected with her though Facebook for the past five years and admired her ambition and attitude towards life. I saw the beautiful pictures of her wedding just under a year ago and admired the love she shared with her husband Ryan.

Last week, Emily was traveling with her husband Ryan and the pastor and his wife who had married them last year. A truck was driving the wrong way on their side of the interstate and collided with them, causing both vehicles to burst into flames and Emily was the only surviver. She has been in the hospital and is now in good condition. I cannot imagine the heartache she is going through. I can’t understand why some people are taken so young and early. For whatever reason, God wasn’t ready for Emily yet. Even though I only spent a short time with Emily, I know she is a fighter. I know she will come out of this and use this terrible experience to help others. While Emily and Ryan and their friends could not have prevented what happened, I know Emily and her family are holding onto their faith to get through this tragedy. I know their story has touched many lives and causes me and many of us to remember to appreciate every day, hour and minute we are given because it is never guaranteed.

I want to fully embrace every moment I have to share with loved ones and use my life to honor God. I don’t know when my time will be, but I know He has a plan for my life and I can’t waste a second of it. I could go on more about making life count, but each person has to figure out how to do it for themselves. The passion, desire and motivation for life has to be within you. If you love someone, tell them now. If you have a dream, go after it now. If you have been putting something off, do it now. Don’t let fear stop you. Nothing in this world will go with us when we die. It’s what you do with your time here that matters. You won’t be held accountable for what you did or didn’t do on Earth by God, but what you were called to do. I pray Emily’s story inspires you to seek faith and make life count. My prayers go to Emily, I know God will help her though this and she will come out a stronger person.

Read Emily’s Story Here:

http://www.ketv.com/news/sole-crash-survivor-in-good-condition/34891340#.VdusuVNDQIk.facebook

Learn how to follow your God given destiny here: