What a strange question for a seventy-something to answer, as most people would say that I have already lived a very long life, since I have passed the biblical three-score and ten (70). I just live my life, knowing that every day is a bonus that allows me the chance for love, laughter, good food, and chatting with my family. When I remember that my sister, my only sibling, died at age 23 and left four children for me to raise, I am thankful for a long life and the opportunities that each day has given me to grow into a better person. I am grateful to the Lord for every day that I can keep enjoying a hope and a future.
I try to live each day as fully as possible, because so many other people died young and never knew the grace that has been in my life. As my husband and I are planning our trips for this year (countries on the Danube River and Portugal), we realize that tomorrow is not promised to us, so we attempt to do as much living and traveling as possible while we can still get on and off a plane by our own strength. So many people think of living long negatively, called ageism, because we lose some of the strength and energy of youth, but you learn to do the best with what you have, and that includes your health.
It isn’t the length of life that matters, but how you live the time you have. Procrastination fuels promises that “someday” we will travel, write, sky-dive, or what ever one’s dreams are. But, someday has to be today, because no one knows the date or the time when their life will end. While you are still breathing, grab life with gusto! Seek to have the means to live comfortably, but not as the expense of fulfilling dreams and making memories.
I thank the Lord every morning for a new day before I get out of the bed. Oh, the places I still might go and the things I still might do to make the world better for my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Of course, I know that one day I will die and be no more, but I don’t dwell on it because it would depress me. Instead, I get up, exercise five days a week, eat well, although I don’t deny myself cookies like I should, and enjoy life with my wonderful husband. I consider each day a bonus and that means living each one as authentically as possible. I won’t worry about what it looks like to be 80, 90, or 100 until I get there, if I do.
Help from Heaven 
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