As I sit here with plenty of free time, contemplating how to keep my Social Security checks coming and whether I'm facing prostate surgery, it occurs to me that having too much time to think, can be a really bad thing.

I should be working today and tomorrow but find myself sitting around the house -- thinking, worrying, stressing. Trying to take a day at a time.

I know many of you have dealt with a lot crap in your lives. Much of it you did little or nothing to cause.

Any tips on how to keep myself together mentally during all of this stuff? Thanks. Btw, I'm not a real religious person.

I have cheated fate for some 78 years now. I first used lead sinkers as a small boy, and continue to do so.
In addition, as a competitive pistol shooter I cast some tens of thousands of bullets. I also did a fair amount of soldering over the years, as well as eating many game birds which fell to lead shot (occasionally biting into a shot pellet).
Now, having learned of the perilous nature of the substance I assume I will drop dead at any moment.
I have enjoyed reading all the posts on this forum. So long, Y’all..

As of today, I have just crossed the 87th year of my Earthly existence. I have to admit I am a little surprised that I have managed to live this long. When I was much younger it never occurred to me that I would actually do this. I have outlived almost all of my relatives and have exceeded all who were any were near my age. So, what do I attribute this longevity? I haven’t a clue.

However, I do have a simple theory about mankind’s relationship with our Creator. He has put each of us on the Earth and given each one or more specific tasks to accomplish at some time during our stay. We have free will and may either complete those tasks, put off when we decide to accomplish them or decide not to ever attempt to accomplish those tasks. Regardless of our longevity, health, or whatever, completing those objectives determines our longevity.

Looking at this and trying to think about it as seen by the Creator, in the first-place time is only relevant to us, humans. Time was invented when the Creator put the stars and planets into motion, from which we have learned about years, months, days, and so forth. This time to humans has no relevance to the Creator, who is beyond all human concern with watches, clocks, calendars, and the passing of years.

As a Christian, I am convinced that everyone has been given a set of priorities, or chores if you wish to call them that. The Creator is patient since time has no great meaning to him, but after a reasonable span of on our time scale, we have not made any attempt to complete our assigned tasks and appear that we are not intending to even try, there is an excellent chance the Creator will decide to pull the plug!

Further, there is the “Honor your father and mother” which brings along a promise of long life if one does honor his parents. I know this example isn’t proof of the rule, but it has impressed me. I had a high school buddy who hated and despised his father. So, he has been in his grave for at least 20 years. Is that proof, maybe, it sure is for me.

Now, for the purpose of this essay. What does one choose for the disposition of our mortal bodies at death? My wife and I will be cremated, and our ashes buried in a cemetery plot. Is there any rule or commandment concerning the prohibition of having one’s body cremated? No, none in the Holy Bible. I happen to believe that since God has brought more than one dead person back to life, he can resurrect all whom he wishes. His power is not limited. Feel free to research this if you doubt my asserting my position.

What about your plans for spending Eternity? You do know everyone will spend Eternity someplace. As a Christian, I happen to be convinced there are only two destinations for all souls; either Heaven or Hell! While you are breathing, you may choose between these two destinations, and after you stop breathing, that choice is gone. Just Sayin….RJS¬¬¬