The more years one accumulates, the more one naturally thinks of death. This is natural, this is good. It gets us ready for the inevitable: our passing into a new life.
The only person my brothers and I asked how old he was going to live to be was my dad, Reuben. He always said the same thing, "I'm going to live to be 89." It seemed so old, like 1,000 years! It was far away from us all. My dad died in his 89th year!
One time, my teenage daughter #8, Jeannie, asked me, "Mom, how long are you going to live?" I thought a minute and replied, "I think I'd like to be a hundred." Jeannie then proposed, "Mom - why limit yourself?" And, indeed, why limit myself!
My good friend, Dianne, recently reported that her mother, 83 years old, spends a lot of time caring for her 106-year-old mother! Now, I ask you, why shouldn't I live at least that long!!
Dad and Mom (died at 82) had virtually no medical or dental care until dad's Army years. But even then, the care wasn't as good and as diligent as it is today. Dad, Mom, Grandma and Grandpa all lost their teeth and had to wear dentures in their forties!
Grandma Marie died at age 82. She was born in her parents' house and had no medical care until her final illness. Being a nurse, I've learned so much about health and am so motivated to try to take care of myself. I wouldn't miss regular checkups, nor would I miss routine flu shots.
This has actually given me a new perspective on my life! I've got a whole lot of time to accomplish what I would like to, what I think God wants me to do. I don't need to be in a rush to do anything!
Of course, God may take me from this life today or tomorrow - I don't care when, I would welcome it! - or then, I may actually turn out to be a centenarian!
In your very comfortable hands, Oh, Lord, I am!
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