Sunday, August 15, 2010

What is Life?

 Life.... a four letter word. Could be a good four-letter word or a bad one. It all depends. 

Just exactly what is Life? A gift from God for sure and one we should be eternally grateful for. 

In my American Heritage School Dictionary I find the definition:

Life: The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and nonliving matter, shown in the ability to grow, carry on metabolism, respond to stimuli and reproduce.  

That tells me nothing other than life is just being. Tadpoles have life!! Life is so much more. The quality of life depends on blessings from above and our ability to put those blessings to work for the good of mankind (others, family, friends and for ourselves). If we do not,  then life turns into a sour, useless void .  

When life is nearing it's end how do we define the life we have lived? Can we say we honored the great gift of life by being and giving and loving or do we say it's been that useless waste? 

I have been thinking about life lately as I watch Elbert's life ebb away. I can say for a certainty that he lived his life honorably, loving, giving. He took care of his family, he enjoyed life and living. He loved his God and he's been blessed. Now, that's the true meaning of LIFE.

10 comments:

Susannah said...

Oh my...your post was wonderful. You certainly hit the true meaning of life. You are a wonderful writer and I know you meant every word of it.

God bless..... and keep you all.

Dolores said...

Oh Latane, I ditto what Susannah said.
You continue to amaze and inspire me with your positive outlook and your strong faith.

Watching our loved one slowly ebb away is so hard, but it's also an opportunity to show our love and faith, and you've certainly done that!

From the beginning of your blog, your pictures and words have painted the loveliest description of the man you love....I feel that I know and love him also.
Your in my prayers,

Gilda Spitz said...

Just one word - lovely.

Linda Jennings said...

Elbert has very been fortunate to have such a wonderful wife by his side and he makes his way through this journey we call life.

Love and hugs!

JUST A MOM said...

Think of you often.

A Woman that Fears the Lord said...

The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. That is a successful life. 1 Cor. 10:31

How are you doing with all of this? It must not be easy for you.

JeanMac said...

I'm so sorry for you and your family.

JUST A MOM said...

Thinking of you

Peggy said...

Hi Latane, thinking of you and Elbert. hugs

A Colorful World said...

It was a beautiful post, Mom. I know how hard this is for you. There is so much to ponder about the meaning of the years past, and the years ahead and then eternity itself. It's so hard to let go of what we know so well, and hold so dear. I know your heart is breaking. We all face this sadness together with you.....love you lots.