This weekend I will attend my 40 year college reunion. The speed of the passing years rivals that of a freight train out of control. In my head I’m still the crazy college guy who acted like a campus idiot. My aging body, however, understands many years have come and gone. But I’m not complaining. Getting older is a privilege.
Decades ago, my little brother turned 18 and went to Florida for spring break. During that vacation, a drunk driver hit and killed him as he walked across a road. That incident taught me that getting older is a privilege. Life is precious.
And then there’s my college classmate who planned to attend our 40th college reunion this weekend. Four months ago he received word from the doctor he had cancer. Thirty days later I received the shocking news he had passed away.
Stop complaining about getting old. Accept the aches and pains and limitations. Growing older is a privilege. You are special. You are a survivor. You’ve made it to this point in the journey. Not everyone is fortunate like us.
This is why you must make the most of every moment. Grab life with both hands. Hug it to your chest with both arms. Maybe you ought to get this famous Dylan Thomas line tattooed on your arm: “Do not go gently into that good night.” And if you don’t like tattoos get it imprinted in your brain.
Don’t squander the privilege of living another day.
What are you going to do with today?
How will you take advantage of your privilege to live this day?
Tell me your plans for not going gently into that dark night.
Getting older is a privilege. Please don’t waste it.