So blogged a Tasmanian mining engineer during last week's momentous Chilean miners' rescue.

While 'Los 33' may have a way to go yet emotionally, the prospect of losing life often gives way to life on a new level after a major ordeal is survived.

Author John Ortberg writes of his cancer survivor friend Chuck, who had received false test results showing terminal illness before being given the all clear the next morning:

"Things that bothered him before faded into utter insignificance. He was going to live - and suddenly he did not just know intellectually but actually experienced the truth that life is a gift."

I believe that the Chilean experience can challenge us to take a fresh look at how we view life and begin to treat every moment as precious.

The confinement - Honesty with ourselves is the important first step. We may not be trapped half a mile down, but our own choices and attitudes often confine us in some ways.

Has a past failure held you back from trying again? Have the opinions of others led you to limit your beliefs about your own potential?

The climb out - The next stage is decision time: the climb out means an attitude shift.

Who are the people that matter most to you? How will you make the main thing the main thing? What will you will stop doing?

The change - In your 'new life' how will you make the most of every moment? For a start, get grateful and keep feeding your mind with what's uplifting and character building.

Cut out the junk of life: the junk food, junk television, junk internet, junk relationships and junk habits.

Life is above all relational. Which people will you serve and inspire?

How will you make more time for those who count most in your life - and for those who don't think they count in the world?