Published: June 26, 2008 11:53 pm            

‘Survival Kit for Living Well’

I attended a funeral this morning – seems as though I attend quite a few these days, and today, I didn’t come away depressed, but joyful. That joy came from the family of the deceased as they celebrated their loved one, and the lifetime represented. This morning the minister explained that the service should be remembered as a commencement – a graduation to eternal life entering through the Pearly Gates and into the presence of the Lord, God Almighty.

That’s enough to get joyful about, don’t you think?

Yes, as we loiter around the mountaintops and valleys of a lifetime - here on Earth, we should and must prepare for our graduation day - that will surely come in the sweet bye and bye. Each one must take a turn.

It’s all about the preparation, sort of a survival kit for a good life – so I began to contemplate the parts and pieces of living well:

1. First and foremost – the Word, compounded by Faith.

2. Family, and all it entails, joys and sorrows, but mainly joy.

3. Good friends – the ones that never turn their backs to you, faithful till the end.

4. Humor – chuckles, even belly laughs, with the capacity to laugh at one’s self.

5. Work – a career that you love where you can continue to learn and grow stronger.

6. Integrity – maintaining an honorable, trustworthy life, with good character, and living a life of respectability.

7. Kindness – generosity, and benevolence - including thoughtfulness given without profit or self-promotions.

8. Responsibility – reliable, dependable, and incorruptible.

9. Honesty – truthful and steadfast.

10. Sober living – honoring sobriety and living a clean, addiction-free life.



Yes, that’s quiet a list of good living, and it’s worth a try. It seems when number one on the list is accomplished; all of the rest will fall into place - as we are taught by the Good Book.

Is it really a survival list, you ask? In today’s world, a survival kit becomes literal - to include day-to-day living – with the rising costs of EVERYTHING! Here are a few ideas:

1. Start a veggie garden – it can be fun with the entire family involved.

2. Do-it-yourself; save money on home and car repairs.

3. Basic hand sewing, knitting, and crocheting skills can go a long way.

4. Car-pool, car-pool, and then, car-pool some more.

5. Make a budget and stick to it (no more emotional buying).

6. Stock up on non-perishable canned items (when there’s a good sale).

7. For lean times - recover some of the skills your parents and grandparents had.

8. For all purchases – use common sense.

9. Limit credit purchases – pay the bill in full each month.

10. Work on owning all items outright – house, car, appliances.



Again, that’s quiet a list – but doable - when done with the right attitude and fortitude.



One of my very favorite people had a list for living well – here is what Erma Bombeck had to say about it all:

If I Had My Life to Live Over

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.

I would have eaten popcorn in the ‘good’ living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would never insist the car windows be rolled up on a summer day cause my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about the grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television – more while watching life.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren’t there for a day.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn’t show soil or guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, “Later. Now to get washed up for dinner.”

There would have been more “I love you” … more “I’m sorry” … but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute … look at it and really see it … live it … and never give it back.



These are sweet words from a talented and gentle lady who left this world far too early at the young age of 69 – as a result of complications from a kidney transplant and a battle with breast cancer. She had one of the longest running columns in newspaper history – started when she talked a local newspaper editor into a common sense/humor/momma/homemaker type weekly column. Her words ring out today as if the ink is still wet.

And from one of my favorite web sites: www.storybin.com

Lead your life so you won’t be ashamed to sell the family parrot to the town gossip.

A survival kit for living well – easier than you might think …

        

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