We spend so much of our time and energy just trying to survive in this crazy world of ours, but do we spend enough time trying to make the world a little better place for our fellow man? (Blogspot photo)

By Michael J. Whelan

"A life well lived." 

Aren’t those the words all of us would like others to use when thinking of us after we’re gone from this earth? Wouldn’t these words be a wonderful epitaph on our tombstone?

I’ve recently read one news article, one obituary, and two letters to the editor of our local newspaper regarding a man who met that description. I did not know this man, but I am the poorer for it, based on the tributes paid to him in these articles.

It got me thinking. We spend so much of our time and energy just trying to survive in this crazy world of ours, but do we spend enough time trying to make the world a little better place for our fellow man?

Shouldn’t we all aspire to serve others rather than ourselves in everything we do? Shouldn’t we all do more to help those in our community who are in greater need than we are? Wouldn’t it be nice to think that we have provided inspiration to others just by being a good and decent and caring person, and living our lives to the fullest?

Our personal accomplishments mean nothing in the grand scheme of things if we haven’t also given back, whether to our family, our neighbors, our churches, or our community. What good is it to look back on one’s life with a sense of pride if we haven’t looked after each other?

These are just some of the thoughts I’ve had recently. I do hope all of you start having these same kinds of thoughts as the new year starts up. Then just maybe by year’s end we can all see that it has been a much better year.

Michael J. Whelan has been a licensed practicing attorney for over 33 years. He also serves as an arbitrator in the 11th Judicial Circuit Mandatory Arbitration program. In addition, he is presently the president of the board of directors of his homeowners association, and is also a member of the board of directors of The Old House Society. He and his wife of thirty-one plus years, Cheryl Whelan, live in Bloomington. He and Cheryl enjoy exercising, reading, and being close to family and friends.

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