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Have you ever caught yourself whispering to yourself, “Now this is the good life”?

I think I’ve made that claim a few times over this first half of my life. Usually, I am sitting in the sun after a long period of cold.

I have my feet up, sipping an icy Dr. Pepper, and I don’t have a thing to do that involves a deadline. And, it’s quiet.

You’ve probably had these moments, as well.

And, that’s a problem. I mean, it’s a problem that we only have moments of living the good life!

Just this week I had an epiphany -- I am in the second half of my life. If I live to be 90, like three of my grandparents did, and I am now 46, then I am on my way to … maturity, decline, and helplessness?

No! I am on the path of living the good life, all the time!

But that may take refining the definition of living the good life.

I don’t think I would be a happy, fulfilled person if I spent the rest of my life sitting in the sun with my feet up, drinking Dr. Pepper, doing nothing.

So what is living the good life?

I realize that some people, a great deal of people, might define living the good life like this: making lots of money, having fun, buying bigger and better toys, looking young, living in the right neighborhood, well behaved kids and a spouse they still like.

But, is that all there is? What if we defined it this way?

God speaks to me in the stillness of a moment.

I have practiced discipline to the point of surrender. I have learned to say “no” to my addiction.

I am in control of my thought life; I don’t meander down alleys of dark musings or linger near the black pit of yesterday’s choices.

I am giving away my time and money for the kingdom of God. I am investing in the lives of many, not just my own.

I have deep convictions that help govern my life; I cannot be moved by mere words of passion or intellect.

I am courageous. I don’t cower when I’ve been wronged or hide in the shadows when the right way seems unpopular. I may be misunderstood, but I’ll risk it if it means doing the right thing.

I feel compassion. I can hear the hitch in your voice when you talk about your lost love. I see the sadness in your eyes, the way your shoulders sag a little and the lack of warmth in your laughter. I see you and I care.

I have good friends. We laugh together, cry together, sit in silence together, and pray together. I’ve got their backs and they have mine.

I am starving for wisdom and truth and am feeding myself a steady diet of the Word of God.

I am praying. I am consulting with the king of kings, the creator of all, and I am trusting that he is in control.

Could this be the definition of living the good life?

As I read and study and pray, I have to admit that this is becoming my working definition for the good life.

I haven’t achieved it yet … but I do have another 40 years or so (I hope)!

(Larry and Linda Kloster sponsor this column.)

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