ONE "LUCKY" MAN

    My friend and mentor Dan is dying. And, if you ask me, he's dying way too young. Not that anyone asked me. So, why the "lucky man" moniker? Well, let me tell you, watching Dan over the years, I've learned a few things about how people "luck into" a good life. Here's what I've learned from watching Dan.
    First of all, be humble and kind. It makes you the kind of person people can trust with their confidences and their hearts. I'm sure it's part of what attracted his wonderful wife Doris to him.
    Secondly, be fun. Who doesn't want to hang out with someone who has a sense of humor and enjoys life? And Dan has enjoyed life ever since I've known him (which is a long time - Dan and Doris were my church youth group leaders way back in high school. When I got older my husband and I hung out with them and I can remember some hilarious times together, including a crazy dinner party where the guests ate right off of the table with no utensils but our hands and with those hands tied to each other. Cooperation was the key word if you wanted to eat!)
    Thirdly, be a man of integrity. I've never heard Dan say an unkind word to or about anyone. He's always been a man you could depend on.
    Lastly, spend your life well. This man has. He's been a loyal and loving husband and father. After retiring from teaching he became a pastor. I have no idea how many people he's visited in the hospital over the years or how many couples he's married but I'd be willing to bet it's a hefty number.
    Over the years I've watched Dan's life run like a well-oiled machine. He tended that life the same way he and his wife did their little veggie garden, carefully and lovingly. Thanks to wise choices, many of life's bigger soap opera-style dramas passed him by. Someone casually glancing at him would say, "What a lucky guy." I say, "What a wise man." And what an inspiring example! Some of us squander our lives, some of us spend wisely. I want to be like Dan, the "lucky" man and spend mine wisely.