| Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times. A true brother always supports you, even in times of trouble.” |
What makes for a good life?
It all comes down to your age. When you’re young, it’s all about the chase for money, promotions, and material possessions. But as you grow older, priorities shift. I recall the wise words of comedian George Burns, who humorously remarked that the sign of aging is when you bend down to tie your shoelaces and start pondering what else you could accomplish while down there.
There was a time when I didn’t pay much attention to the question of how to live longer. But life has a way of grabbing your focus. We’re all on a quest to unravel the secret to a fulfilling life, especially as we age.
Back in 1938, a millionaire named Grant, the owner of the nostalgic Grant’s department store from my youth, generously gifted Harvard with a unique opportunity. His donation aimed to study the lives of men over the years. Harvard assembled two distinct groups of men for this research. Some belonged to the elite upper class, including the likes of John F. Kennedy. Others hailed from the impoverished Boston slums, enduring the hardships of the Great Depression.
For the past 75 years, researchers have diligently kept in touch with as many surviving men as possible. Annual medical evaluations and lifestyle surveys have been conducted without fail. And after closely observing men as they journeyed from their twenties to their nineties, a profound revelation emerged. It wasn’t about wealth or achievements. Many of the wealthiest individuals succumbed to alcoholism or took their own lives. The key to longevity was surprisingly simple—those who lived the longest had the strongest bonds with others.
Life, as they discovered, hinges on the love we give and receive from others. This essence of connection defines the true meaning of “relationship.”
The wise King Solomon understood the profound value of people in our lives. He distinguished between mere acquaintances and true friends. As he wisely put it, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17)
Mark Twain also reflected on life’s brevity, emphasizing the importance of love over petty conflicts and grievances. In his words, “There isn’t time – so brief is life – for bickerings, apologies, heartburnings, callings to account. There is only time for loving – but an instant, so to speak, for that.”
So, here’s to cherishing many friends and embracing a long, fulfilling life.
Robert G. Taylor
robertgtaylor.com
