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BY DR. GLENN MOLLETTE

When it comes to life, there are no guarantees. A few people will live to be 100 and beyond, while the majority will die much younger. We don’t know for sure. Your health can be great, and still, anything can happen. Your health might be bad. A friend who lived to be about 77 once said, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.” He meant it to be humorous.

Seventy-seven doesn’t seem very old if you are 80. You may feel, if you are 70, that you’ve just really started to live. It has a lot to do with who you are, how you feel, and the overall condition of your life. Sadly, there are many miserable people who are still very young but can’t figure out their lives.

Age is truly just a number, especially if you feel good, can take care of yourself, and have something to live for. This could be anything from a grandchild to a job, a hobby, your career, or just spending your money. It’s important to have an interest. You need to have something to do. Everyone needs to be pursuing something they enjoy. You need a reason to get up in the morning. It will keep you going.

You may be here 30 years from now, or maybe you won’t. It won’t hurt you to plan for the long haul. This means eating as healthy as possible, exercising a little every day, managing your weight, and visiting your doctor routinely. This may help you live a little longer and enjoy the remaining years you have. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s worth a shot. Keep trying to save a few dollars every month. Regardless of your age, there is always something that will come up. You will need a new roof, furnace, or car. The list is endless.

Yet, today might be our last. We never know. Be kind every chance you get. Say thank you often. Do the small things that may help family and friends. Build others up. Give them a boost by saying something good to them. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Forgive people. Forgive yourself. Put the past behind you because you can’t change it. Try to do something every day that you enjoy. That may be walking, reading, playing music, talking to people, cooking, or anything else. Regardless of how long we live, life is short.

Recently, a friend lay dying. I asked him what I could do for him. He said, “All I would like to have is one more day.” Today may be our one more day. Whatever we do on this one day will hopefully be a blessing not only to us but in some way will be a blessing to someone today or years from now.

The seed we plant will bring a harvest of some kind.

(Dr. Glenn Mollette is a graduate of numerous schools, including Georgetown College, Southern and Lexington Seminaries in Kentucky. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.)