THE MAGIC BANK ACCOUNT

As I write this article, the calendar announces the last day of 2014.  Another year passed.  Happy events, sad events; gains, losses; exciting times, dull times; leisurely days, busy days; old friends, new acquaintances---all parade through my mind, and perhaps, yours too, as the year-in-review rolls past.

Earlier this year a friend emailed a piece to me that was found among the papers of Coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant of Alabama after he died.  It is entitled The Magic Bank Account, author unknown: 

            “Imagine that you won the following prize in a contest:  Each morning you are to receive $86,400 deposited into your private bank account for your use.  However, the prize has rules: (1) You and you alone may spend the money.  (2) The money may not be transferred into any other account, and all that you do not spend that day will be taken away from you.  (3) The bank opens your account with another $86,400 each morning, but at any time, without warning, the bank can say, “Game over.”, close your account, and you will not receive a new one.

            What would you do?  You would buy anything and everything you wanted, right?  You would spend it on those you love and care for, and, perhaps, you also would buy things for those you don’t know.  You couldn’t possibly spend all that money on yourself every day, right?  You would try to spend every penny each day; use it all, because otherwise it would be taken away.  And besides, it will be replenished in the morning.

            ACTUALLY, THIS GAME IS REAL!  SHOCKED?  YES!!  Each of us is already a winner of this “PRIZE”.  We just don’t seem to realize it.  THE PRIZE IS TIME.

            Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life.  And when we go to sleep that night, any wasted time is not credited to us.  What we haven’t used wisely that day is forever lost.  Yesterday is gone.  Each morning the account is refilled, but the “bank” can dissolve our account at any time with no warning.

            So…what will you do with your 86,400 seconds?  Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount of dollars.  Think about it, and remember to enjoy every second of your life because time races by so much quicker than we realize.  Take care of yourself, those you love, and other people as well; be happy; love deeply; express appreciation, and cherish life.  Enjoy!  Here’s wishing you a wonderful, beautiful day.  Start spending.  Spend wisely.  And don’t complain about growing old---some people don’t get the privilege.”

Now, early in 2015, let these thoughts fill your mind.  Determine to spend your allotted 86,400 seconds each day being happy with positive thoughts to share with those around you.  Abraham Lincoln is quoted, “People are about as happy as they make up their mind to be.”  May 2015 be a happy year for you, your family, your staff, your patients, your friends and acquaintances.