What is a good life?

The world lost a wonderful man a few days ago, and I was able to attend his memorial service today.

A poem that he had written during the last few days of his life was read - and despite the fact that it was about the pain that he was suffering, his humor showed in his words.

Stories about his life were told, and there was a lot of laughter in the rooms in the funeral home.

During the last few days of his life, this man looked at his beloved wife and told her "I lived a good life". He was so loved and cherished by so many people.

The pastor read from 1Corinthians, and while I am not the type of person to quote scripture, it was so fitting:

13 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

This really hit me today.

Life really means nothing without love.

The pastor asked us what living a good life meant to us. Did it mean having lots of money? power? material possessions?

The answer for me is no. None of that stuff matters to me. Seriously. I have no money (surprise). I have no power. I have no material possessions that are worth more than a couple of bucks.

But I'm happy.

Why? How can I be happy when I don't have all of that stuff?

Because I have love. I have my kids. I love them with all of my heart, and then some. They are happy, they are healthy, they are active, they are smart and funny and aggravating and wonderful. I have my friends and family - and although I don't tell them enough, I love them. And of course, I have The Dude - and anyone who has read this blog for more than a few days knows how much we love each other. And perhaps the most important one of all...

I love myself.

I've made mistakes in the past (haven't we all?) but there are very few things that I would change if I was given the chance. Most, if not all of those involve being able to tell someone how I felt about them before it was too late and the chance was gone forever. Yes, there are things that I could improve, because I am not perfect (far from it, actually). But I love myself. It's taken me a long time to get there, but I'm there and it's a wonderful feeling.

We might not have a lot of "stuff" but we are not lacking in love around this house.

I have a good life - because I have love.