A Memorial Day Reflection

Stardate 05.25.2026

Today is a day set aside to remember the men and women who died serving our country so we could enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. They made the ultimate sacrifice for people they would never meet.

As I reflect on that today, I keep thinking about the phrase “everything we have.”

Are we truly taking care of the lives we’ve been given?

Are we paying attention to the warning signs when our bodies try to tell us something needs attention?

For years, I assumed I was healthy because I felt healthy. I could work long shifts, stay active, and keep moving through life without giving much thought to what was happening beneath the surface.

Lately, I’ve been learning there’s wisdom in checking the dashboard before the engine light comes on.

God gave each of us one body to steward during our time here. Caring for our health doesn’t have to become obsession. Sometimes it’s simply gratitude expressed through discipline.

Yesterday I spent some time watching a video from Rhonda Patrick about the omega-3 index. The discussion centered around measuring omega-3 levels in red blood cells. Since red blood cells live for roughly three months, they can provide a better picture of long-term nutritional patterns than a snapshot from a single meal or supplement.

I found that fascinating.

One point especially stayed with me. Many people in the United States have omega-3 levels lower than what researchers consider ideal for long-term heart health. Higher omega-3 index levels have been associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes and healthier aging.

What struck me most was how differently people respond to the same routine.

Two people can take the same fish oil supplement and end up with very different results depending on things like genetics, absorption, inflammation, nutrition, and lifestyle habits.

That’s why testing matters.

It removes some of the guessing.

As I stood reflecting on Memorial Day today, I found myself thinking about stewardship again. We honor those who sacrificed for us by living meaningful lives with the time we’ve been given.

That includes caring for ourselves well enough to keep showing up for the people we love.

I’m making a few adjustments of my own. More salmon. More sardines. More attention to what I’m fueling my body with. I also plan to get my omega-3 index tested so I can measure where I actually stand instead of assuming.

Small course corrections matter.

Scripture reminds me of this:

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
— Psalm 90:12

That verse feels especially meaningful on Memorial Day.

None of us know how many days we’ve been given. We only get to decide how intentionally we live them.

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Captain’s Addendum

Bones glanced over at Spock with a skeptical look.

“So now the Captain’s counting fish oils too?”

Spock remained calm as usual.

“Maintaining proper biological function appears to be a logical objective, Doctor.”

Bones smirked.

“I liked medicine better when people just took a nap and drank more water.”

The older I get, the more I appreciate paying attention to the small things before they become big things. Maybe wisdom often starts there.

Happy Memorial Day, my friends.

Live long and prosper. 🖖