Monday, October 27, 2008

Wisdom & Longevity in the Land of Cotton

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house I go. I really enjoy my visits to see LouLou. She will be 102 next week so we had our own little celebration on Saturday since I won’t be there on her actual birthday. I am continually amazed at her stamina! She still loves to laugh. It makes me feel really young to go hang out with her since I’m about half her age!

Mayo Clinic researchers have something to say about longevity. They studied the results of a questionnaire designed to rate respondents according to optimism or pessimism.

Follow-up questionnaires showed that the pessimistic participants tended to die earlier than the optimists, regardless of age or sex.

Pessimism can be considered a risk factor for early death.
(Source: Discovery Health)

LouLou recited from Longfellow’s “Psalm of Life” on Sat. these words to live by:
“Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not it’s goal;
Dust thou art to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act that each tomorrow
Find us farther than today.”

She knows all 9 stanzas of the poem!

The truth of the matter and the final Word on this subject is from Phil. 4:8,9.
"Finally, brothers, whaetever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things… And the peace of God will be with you."


4 comments:

Kelly said...

Happy Birthday Lou Lou!!! I wish to be that inspiring when I am 102!

My ADHD Me said...

102. WOW. I'll bet she cherishes your visits as much as you do.

P.S. Is there a place on your blog so I can put it on my followers list? I can't find it.

My ADHD Me said...

I KNEW KNEW KNEW that if i asked that question, I would figure it out immediately.
Anyway, i got it.
Thanks anyway!

Pinkshoelady said...

Hey sweet friend!
Happy Birthday LouLou!

I loved the passage you quated and the scripture you ended with.

I love visiting you!

Thanks for the lift
Pamela