Reflection 2 Three kinds of people


There are people in this world who walk through life with an aura of certainty around them. They can speed down the highway driving a convertible, wearing no seat belt, drinking beer, smoking a cigarette, all while texting a friend and singing to the radio. They will not get pulled over by the police. They will not have an accident. When they arrive home, it will be to, if not a mansion, at least be a fine residence. An attractive spouse and children - sweet, and high-achieving at school – will be waiting.

No illnesses of significance will plague these people. Neither fast food meals, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, cigarettes, or alcohol will slow them down. They can waste their money paying insurance premiums if they like, but the coverage will be unnecessary. They will not darken hospital doors.

Let’s call these people “auras”.

A second group looks very different. These people are destined to be plagued with life’s maladies. They walk through life with genetic “kick me” signs on their backs. For these folks, it’s not a matter of “if”, but rather “when” the boogeyman will strike. A good insurance policy will ease the bite, but they will be bitten, and the hospital staff will welcome them as guests in their facility (maybe even reserving their own rooms).

The “kick me’s” are a battered lot, regardless of how hard they try to ward off predators.

There is, of course, a third, less extreme group, where most of us fall. The “it depends” majority find that eating well, exercising, getting rest, praying, using positive thinking, having a good insurance policy, and storing money for that rainy day will go a long way in blocking life’s slings and arrows. There is still the pesky genetic factor to consider, though. I thought I did a pretty good job of preparing myself in the necessary armor, and boy, was I surprised.

We do, though, have a fighting chance. I refused to give up, and in the land of wellness now, I’m glad I took that attitude.