The other day at lunch, my friend Donnie and I were talking finances—pay day is approaching and we were grumbling about the usual—paying bills and savings. He asked if I participated in our 401K, and I replied, sheepishly, “yes, but not at the maximum level.” You see, I explained to him, I’d rather enjoy my money now, while I can and while I’m able, then to leave it behind because only God knows when my time will be up.
Well, then Donnie told me of a local lady who went to the hospital with flu-like symptoms around 9 AM a few weeks back, and by supper time the same day, she’d passed on—no good explanation. And, over the weekend the cattle industry lost a couple just a few years older than me in a head-on collision just a short distance from their home, the way I understand it, and they left behind three children, one seriously injured in the car with them. You just never know.
So no, I’ll probably never max out my 401K, and I hope Donnie’s right—with that attitude I’ll live forever. And, with my drive and desire to be around people, I will probably want to work past my mid-60s, even as a Wal-Mart greeter or at a local boutique or photography shop. But, my point is, take advantage of every opportunity that life hands you! You just never know!
Eat on the good china! Go fishing with your dad next time he asks! Pay $3.5/gallon for gas and go visit an old friend! Spoil your kids, nieces, nephews, yourselves! Go ahead and order dessert! We can’t look back on the past; and we can’t live for the future. We must live for the here and now. Today is a gift; that’s why it's called the present.
Oh, and Dad, get the boat ready. Once Spring “officially” arrives and you and I both have a free weekend, I’m buying some of that high priced gas, and a one-day fishing license if you’ll loan me a pole. We’re goin’ fishin’!
Thanks for this column. I hope to pass with my boots on, preferably while I am out photographing some cattle. Just remember you will rust out before you wear out.
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