Reece Gardner: Live each day to the fullest

The violence occurring in various parts of our country, particularly in places like Chicago, New York, San Francisco and other locations, with horrific frequency, remind us of how important it is to live each day to the fullest, and to be aware of how precious the gift of life on this earth is and how it could suddenly and unexpectedly come to an end. In any event, our life here is very brief and we are constantly aware of how fast time flies.

To highlight that fact, I want to share with you a message from Mildred Contearas titled "And Then it is Winter."

Here is some of what she said: "You know, time has a way of moving quickly and catching us unaware of the passing years. It seems that just yesterday I was young, just married, and embarking on a new life. I wonder where all the years went. But here it is--the winter of my life--and it catches me by surprise. How did I get here so fast? Where did all the years go? I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that they were YEARS away from me. But here it is - WE are now those older folks we used to see and thought we would never be. But though the winter has come, and I'm not sure how long it will last, this I know: When it's over on earth, a NEW ADVENTURE will begin."

Looking back, there are things I wish I hadn't done and things I should have done, but it's all in a lifetime. So if you're not in your Winter yet, just know that it will be here faster than you think. So whatever you would like to accomplish in life, do it quickly, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not. Say all the things you want your loved ones to remember and tell them how much you love and appreciate them. Now for some parting thoughts: Today is the oldest you have ever been, yet the youngest you will ever be; Many of the things you used to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.

But "Old" is good in some things, like Old songs, Old movies and, best of all, Old friends. Life is a gift to us, but the WAY we live it is our gift to others. It is not what we gather, but what we share, that tells what kind of life we have lived. Now to close on a humorous note: An FBI agent walked up to a rancher and said, "We received a tip that you may be growing illegal drugs on these premises.

Do you mind if I take a look around?" The rancher replied, "That's fine but you shouldn't go over there though," as he pointed to one of his fields. The FBI agent snapped at him, "I am a federal agent and I can do whatever I want!" With that , he pulled out his badge and shoved it in front of the rancher's face. The rancher shrugged this off and continued with his chores.

About 15 minutes later he heard a loud scream from the field that he had pointed out earlier. All of a sudden he saw the FBI agent running toward him with a large bull on his heels, whereupon he rushed to the fence and yelled, "Your badge! Show him your badge!"

Have a wonderful day!