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Appreciate life while
still living it

The big news story on the day I write this column is the death of television anchorman Peter Jennings. Although he publicly shared his diagnosis of lung cancer in April, the news of his death still brings shock and sadness.

I wonder if, as in the case of so many cancer victims, Jennings really began to live after receiving the diagnosis. Isn't that often the case -- that we don't really appreciate something until we're faced with the possibility of losing it?

This was the case with Steven Bishop of Denver, Colo., whose story appeared in Parade magazine a few years ago. In his early 30s, Steven and his wife and infant son were living the American dream, complete with a successful career, luxurious home and Mercedes in the garage.

Then in 1998, Bishop was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a degenerative disease of the neuromuscular system for which there is no cure. Life expectancy is typically two to five years.

Bishop's new question became, "What's the most meaningful way I can spend whatever time I have left?"

The Bishops established an ALS support group, became spokespersons for the disease, and as Steven's wife, Jennifer, says, "spent more time with family and friends than many people do in a lifetime."

Bishop himself says that like Lou Gehrig, he feels he is the luckiest guy in the world; for he's been given a chance to truly appreciate his life while still living it.

Unfortunately, if we're not careful, it's all too easy for our lives to degenerate into little more than a day-to-day existence. We tolerate or are even unaware of the lack of purpose and fulfillment, two vital factors that make life meaningful and worthwhile.

How about you? Are you really living and appreciating each and every new day? And spending your time wisely and well?

I encourage you to ask yourself the same question Steven Bishop asked himself, "What is the most meaningful way I can spend the time I have left?"

Then rearrange your priorities accordingly. This may involve eliminating unsatisfying activities, investing more time in meaningful relationships, taking stock of where you really want to go, and what you really want to do and be.

Let's enjoy and appreciate our lives while we're still living it. It will be time well spent! See you in two weeks.