It’s the little things in life

And that my friends, cannot help but make our world a better place.

Vern McClelland is an associate bro - ker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation. Com - ments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.

I was having coffee with an old friend one afternoon at his house.

Well, to be accurate I was having coffee while he was smoking his pipe while sipping on Scotch and water.

The night before he had asked me to drop by for a chat which I found to be a rather interesting request since I had just visited him in the hospital several days before.

You see, he was dying and wanted to spend as many days at home as he could, so had checked himself out with the blessing of his family physician and the support of his spouse.

We all knew his time was limited; you could see it in his skin colour.

Pancreatic cancer is a tough diagnosis.

The two of us discussed a wide range of topics that day, but I knew there was something he wanted to say so waited patiently.

Turns out there were two things on his mind. The first being, would I give his eulogy?

If you have had the privilege, you know it can be one of the hardest 10-minute speeches you will ever deliver.

I mean, how do you properly summarize a person’s life in such a short period of time?

The second message was his advice to me.

“Remember Vern,” he said, “It is the little things that mean the most!”

He went on to say that it was only when coming to the realization his life would soon be ending, how important it was to appreciate the here and now.

Things like taking a walk in the fresh air, hearing the birds sing in the morning, dinner with all the family at the table, a child’s laughter, or a good night kiss from a loved one.

In other words, pay attention to what you are experiencing now, rather than diving back into the past, or worrying about what may be ahead.

I think we would all agree there is a time and place for considering actions to take for the future, but like the old saying “If you want to hear God’s laughter, tell Him your plans!”

My friend’s message, although delivered to me years ago, still guides me today.

Peace of mind will lead you to the achievement of the important goals of life.

It’s also contagious because striving to be positive helps others to draw from your energy and create their own.