Living the Good Life
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of
these is love." (1 Cor. 13:8)
I have been doing my best to live the good life lately. I don’t mean the
television version with its giant mansions, fancy cars, and fat bank accounts
either. By the good life I mean the "good" life. For me it is the only type of
life worth living.
I even have a list of good suggestions that have helped me along the way. Here
are just a few of them. Never pass up an opportunity to hug your kids, pet your
dogs, or hold your cats. Take the time to watch the sunrise, the sunset, and to
notice the moon smiling down on you. Pray. Hold all the hands you can, pat all
the backs you can, and give all the compliments you can. Always say "Please and
thank you." Pray some more. If a kind word comes to your lips speak it, if a
kind thought comes to your mind think it, and if a kind deed comes to your heart
do it. Take your time. Open doors for others, let cars pull out in front of
yours, and let people ahead of you in line. Pray even more. Always listen to
that sweet, gentle voice inside of you telling you to do something nice to help
another. That is God guiding you. Listen before you speak, forgive before you
hate, and help before you hurt. Give this world all of your talents, your
laughter, your energy, your joy, and your light. Be an obedient child, a caring
spouse, a devoted parent, a doting grandparent, a cherished friend, a giving
neighbor, and a good Samaritan every chance you get.
Most of all, though, always remember that it is Love that makes a good life
"good". In the book "In search of the Beyond," Carlo Correto gave us these words
of wisdom. "Let us keep this truth before us. You say you have no faith?
Love-and faith will come. You say you are sad? Love-and joy will come. You say
you are alone? Love-and you will break out of your solitude. You say you are in
Hell? Love-and you will find yourself in Heaven. Heaven is love." May you always
live the "good" life then full of Heavenly love and oneness with God.
By: Joseph J. Mazzella