From the Home Place

September 30, 2025

Yesterday, Miss Deb and I attended the funeral of a man who was greatly loved by his family and community. The crowd was large, and for the most part old. As I looked around at faces, most of which I probably knew at one time in my life, but due to being away for thirty-five years and the fact that all of the faces and my recollection abilities have changed, I found myself in a room full of strangers.

Yet, as I looked around the room my heart was warmed. I told Miss Deb, “It’s been a long time since we have been in a room with so many old cowboys.” There they sat, remembering their friend who had passed on before them, knowing that their turn was probably not that far away. For most of us in that large crowd of mourners, it was quite evident that we had each seen way more sunsets than we will see sun rises.

Life works that way: we are born, and then we begin our dying process called life. I’ve always enjoyed the story in the Book of Genesis about a grand ‘ol gentleman named Abraham. In Genesis 25:8 we read, “Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life, and he was gathered to his people.”

What a grand death, “in a ripe old age and satisfied with life.” May we each be so blessed! The “ripe old age” would be nice, but I’m more concerned with the “satisfied with life” part. You see my friends, we each get only one trip across this ‘ol ball of dirt, and how we live our journey determines how we will be remembered at the end.

Yesterday, several hundred people gathered to celebrate the life of a man who had lived his life loving his family and caring for his friends. A man who seemed to me to die much like Abraham, “satisfied with life.”

In my mind, to die with such satisfaction of life, requires that we LIVE and not just exist. So many folks seem to just drag themselves from day-to-day, while others see each day as a new opportunity to live. What make the differene? I think the answer contains two main elements: purpose and attitude.

The folks who appear to be enjoying this journey called life the most, are folks who have a purpose for living – they have family, friends and God. All three are those whom you have been blessed to share your earthly journey with. Though the family and friends may not always bring joy into your life, they are always there. You see, life is best lived when we have folks and a God that we can count on to be there when things get tough.

Family, friends and God all put up with us when we are less than we should be, and they love us when we are all that they need us to be. A life without a relationship with family, friends and God would be a very difficult existence. A life with them is a satisfying life!

The second important element of life is nestled deep inside of each of us; it is our attitude about life. I’ve always reminded our children and grandchildren, “Attitude determines altitude. You can’t fly any higher than your attitude.” For much of our earthly journey, life happens to us. It is in those times that a good attitude is imperative to have a satisfying life. You see friends, there is only one person who can control your attitude, you.

As love and anger are both the result of a decision, we each get to determine our attitude as well. No one can force you to love or hate another, each is your choice. That choice will be determined by your attitude. The man we celebrated yesterday, had a great attitude about life. A life that was celebrated by his family, friends and God.

Could it be that a primary element of a good attitude about life is found in how we view those around us? If we see others as a burden, then our attitude will fly south faster than a goose in November. However, if we see those around us as a blessing, then a good attitude will follow us like a pup going for a walk with his favorite person – there will be joy and peace!

So for today, we are each challenged to love those around us. Not because of how they will improve our life but love them because we get the opportunity to improve their lives. And above all, love God, not because you can improve Him, but because He will give a grand purpose to your life, which is the best attitude adjustment ever known!

None of us knows when we will take our final breath, but we do know that moment awaits us. How we live between today and that day will determine the satisfaction level of our life.

Living life on purpose, with a good attitude, with you, Neal