Why Not Just Drink More?

... or watch more TV or take up smoking?

As I get older, my sense of the finiteness of life increases. I know that I only have time for a couple more grand, multi-year projects and developing maybe two more major skill sets. In addition, the day is coming when I will no longer be able to do things I can do right now. My very last scuba dive is out there somewhere, after which I will never dive again.

My faith is a great comfort to me in this. I ask myself, "Is this what God wants me to be doing now?" At any stage of my life I can do this and know that I'm at least going in a somewhat productive direction. My 88-year-old mom, living with us while she recovers from a broken neck, spends much of her time in prayer and the rest keeping her attitude positive, working to become independent again. She might not succeed, but she's giving it a good try.

Without that question of what God wants from you at this stage in life, wouldn't there come a time when you might as well just give up? Why not take up smoking or drink a lot more? Since the end is coming and each day brings fewer options, why not just run out the clock as fast as you can?