The philosopher-physician Richard Cabot wrote a book over one hundred years ago that still holds true today.  It is entitled What Men Live By and makes a convincing case there are four things all people need to live a full and genuinely good life. They are work, play, love and worship, not necessarily in that order. Some may disagree with this, but many still believe one hundred years later that we all need a measure of work, play, love and worship in the right balance to be truly fulfilled as human beings.

Often, people who are deprived of work grow anxious and depressed. They may turn to drugs or other forms of escape to fill up their idle hours. Good parents and schools instill strong work ethics in their children at young ages

But, all work and no play makes Jack (and Jill) dull people as the saying goes. When all you do is work, this takes the joy out of life. We all need some recreation whether it be music, sports, games, or any infinite  variety of things.

Can we live without love? While it may be possible to physically survive without love, a life without love is emotionally and spiritually broken. We are social animals and the glue that holds us together is love in all its forms.

Last, but certainly not least, we need to recognize there is a higher power in which to place our faith. As Christians, that higher power is God who loves us unconditionally. He gave us His only son to die for us that we may have our sins forgiven and have the promise of eternal life if we believe in Him. Some of us pray only at times of need, but almost all of us have prayed at some point in our lives, and have a hope based on faith that there is a higher power and a future life. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34. Thanks be to God!

Patty