I went for my walk/jog on Monday since rain stopped earlier.  Almost getting back to some level of fitness which is fine by me.  My measure of success now is whether or not my heart keeps beating.  A family came out together as my process drew close to an end.  One of their kids is about eleven named Caleb.  I remember him from last spring being out there with them.  We visited last year while circling the track.  This time we went around a few times before my task was complete.  A conversation followed about my exercise and other stuff.  Caleb then looked up at me and said, "Who knew an old guy could have such great advice?"  My day just went from bad to worse.  Caleb is a great kid.  My hope is he always can keep that sense of innocence and honesty.

But it made me think about advice.  So here are a few pieces from an old guy.

• Never pet a burning dog.  Simple but very eloquent words on how we should care for animals!
• Staying in shape is far easier than getting in shape.  Keep moving forward as someone may be gaining on you.
• Laugh a little each day.  Think a little each day.  Cry a little each day.  These are good signs that you are alive.  Jim Valvano said this just prior to his death.  They were good words then and great ones now.
• Try something new on a regular basis.  Life really should not be about recycling old times but making new memories. 
• Spend time with children a lot.  I did that again tonight and life sure seems better when you do.  When you stop being able to laugh with kids then it's a sure sign something is very wrong.
• Figure out what religion is all about.  It's not about us!  Faith really is not that complicated when you focus on the words of Jesus.  Loving others and God are at the core of all He says.  The rest is extra as we go along.

There could be more but we will save it for another day.  These are just a few ideas that came to mind first.  Maybe my young friend Caleb will help me realize some more.

Bro. Trey