Only 59 Years to Go

Here's a shot of me with my grandfather, Raymond Richardson. Grandpa Richie turned 95 this past weekend, and spending time with him reminded me of just how much/little life I have left to live. It was good and needed perspective, as it got me thinking about some personal disciplines I've let go as of late:

• First, my desk (which I cleaned tonight) - I can't do good work if I don't have good space in which to do it (and I haven't had good space for most of the fall).

• Second would be a more regular routine of devotion in the mornings - it's not that I'm not up; I just find my way to email and the newspaper far too quickly.

• Third would be reading to my girls more regularly at night - I had been reading the book of Matthew to them, but then took a break for Megan to read Anne of Green Gables; it's time to get back on the horse.

• Fourth would be diet and exercise - I haven't done anything intentional all fall and just feel like a slug; while I've pseudo-maintained my weight since summer, I still have twenty pounds to go to meet my goal, so I'm going to the Y tomorrow.

I don't know how much of this stuff Grandpa consciously thought about when he was my age (36); nor do I have hopes any of it will ensure my living to 95. But it wouldn't take a lot to make these tweaks a month or so before the new year and reap the benefits early.

After all, I may have only 59 years to go...