by Reba J Hoffman
| Life was slower when I was growing up |
I grew up in a slower time. Summers seem to stretch on
forever. My friends and I would go down to the creek on a lazy Sunday
afternoon. We’d skip rocks across the water, swing from a rope, splash into the
deep end, and dry off in the sunshine while gazing at clouds. When I got home
and was asked what I’d been doing, my answer was always, “killing time.”
Today is a much different world. I have gray hair and a few
extra pounds. I’d injure myself if I swung on that rope and there is absolutely
not a single second to, ummm, “kill”.
With every passing day I’m reminded of what a gift life is
and how my days are numbered. Even if I live to be a hundred, I’m on the down
slope. When I was young, I really thought life was forever. I was invincible.
Immortal. Today I know that I’m not even guaranteed tomorrow.
Being faced with that truth, I learned a few things I’d like
to share: