November 16, 2025 | 9:09am
Attending wakes and funerals reminds us that time is a gift and living a life rooted in purpose honors this treasure. In a world obsessed with longevity, it’s easy to forget that man’s primary goal should center on creating meaning rather than increasing life years.
We count birthdays, celebrate milestones and even chase health hacks that promise to add a decade or two to our lifetime. Yet in our desire to live longer, we lose sight of what really matters in living well. A truly good life centers on how to bring more meaning and light into our existence.
The illusion of ‘more time’
We strive to stay healthy and alive as long as possible, but when the focus shifts to simply lasting, life starts to feel like it’s a race against time. While no one can outwit mortality, we can certainly choose how to make each day matter.
Many saints, unknown souls and even Jesus Christ didn’t live long. Yet, their acts of kindness, faith and love continue to ripple on, reminding us that the true measure of life isn’t duration but depth.
Living with purpose
Living a good life begins with intention. It means waking up every morning, choosing to be thankful rather than critical. It’s counting blessings rather than ranting and finding fault in everyone and everything. It’s also about maintaining a positive outlook and prioritizing the nurturing of relationships, rather than building up on material things.
Strengthening relationships involves being
A good life is also about having quality time with ourselves. Whether it’s time spent in prayer, reliving happy times through photographs or enjoying the beauty of nature and God’s creation in silence. These pauses bring us closer to the true essence of living, and to a life grounded in gratitude and love.
Faith’s quiet reminder
Religious tradition echoes the wisdom that our time on earth is temporary but the goodness and care we cultivate is eternal. Time quickly passes and we too, shall pass. Such reality should encourage us to live wisely and invest more in faith, love and charity, instead of worrying about the tomorrows we have left.
In moments of loss or illness, this truth becomes clearer. Instead of looking back and wanting to live longer, most people faced with mortality wish they had loved better, worried less and trusted in God more. A good life, no matter how brief, can radiate a quiet grace that comforts and inspires others.
Joy in the everyday
To live well doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s found in creating memories through everyday simple moments, such as laughter shared over coffee or hugging someone in grief or pain. It’s also about choosing to remain optimistic even when faced with troubles, seeking peace in prayer, and finding joy in acts of generosity.
Longevity may give us more opportunities to exist with purpose, but a person who lives with compassion and faith for a few years may live far “better” than one who reaches a hundred but remains unkind and ungrateful.
The legacy that lasts
When we exert effort to live a good life, our legacy takes care of itself. It’s not our achievements or possessions but more of the quiet influence and kind acts we leave behind that make a lasting impact. It’s the people we’ve touched and encouraged, the love we’ve endured and remained committed to, and the faith we’ve hung on to, even in tough times. Once we stop fearing the end and concentrate on filling our days with goodness, life will feel fuller, richer and happier.
So stop worrying about how much time you have left, and focus on how to make your time left count. In the end, it’s how brightly one loves and makes their spirit shine and touch others that truly matters.
While there is value to bequeathing earthly goods, it’s how we make someone matter and feel special that makes us truly unforgettable and live on — in the mind and heart of another.