My dad turned eighty-seven yesterday. Such a long life! He always used to say that the secret to his good health and looks was "clean living and self-denial." Haha! He was always strong and a hard worker. He had his bad habits, but no more than anyone else. And that temper! Whew! What a temper.
Who knows, really, what causes one person to live longer than another, especially within the same family. He has outlived his parents and all of his siblings. He has never been tolerant of other people's frailties. He believes everyone should, and can, be as strong and healthy as he is. If they are not, there is something wrong with them.
I always thought that was mean-thinking, but he has lived longer than anyone else in my family and Mike's family. He has had far fewer health issues than anyone I know. The few issues he has had, were recovered from quickly. So it makes me wonder why some people live longer and healthier than others.
In Scripture, God gives a few guidelines for long life but, as far as I know, my dad never followed them. He had his addictions yet seems to have no ill effects from them in his long life. He was forced to eat somewhat healthy while my mom was alive, but after she died his diet consisted of peanut butter and crackers, Little Caesar's pizza, and hamburgers from Jack in the Box. Not a healthy diet from any perspective! Mike's grandparents lived till their early 80's and their diets were horrible. Lots of fat and grease, yet both of them were thin.
Some say "Only the good die young." I have pondered that. My Dad is no better than anyone, but certainly no worse. I could write out a laundry list of his flaws, but I could do the same for myself, as well.
I am beginning to think that life is a crap-shoot. Only God knows the length of our lives and when we will die. So, instead of wasting my time wondering why some live longer than others, I think I should just concern myself with living my life in the way I believe God wants for me and eat a healthy diet. My times are in His hands, however long or short.
Happy Birthday, Dad! May the rest of your years bring peace, joy, and clarity of mind.
