The death of U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones offers a great lesson for those of us committed to doing good. Rep. Tubbs Jones, 58, died Aug. 20 after having a brain hemorrhage, which she suffered while driving her car in Cleveland, Ohio.

I’m sure Rep. Tubbs Jones never had a clue that when she left her home that day, she’d never return to see family and friends. To chuckle at a good joke. To squeeze a constituent’s hand. To plant a kiss on a child’s cheek. Or to encourage someone struggling with family or personal problems.

Life’s that way, you know. That’s why it’s important to do some good if you can, while you can. You may have thought many times about taking some fresh-cut flowers from your yard to the elderly woman next door who has no kin. Or you might be procrastinating about that lunch date you promised Uncle Ed and Aunt Emma. They’ve been your greatest cheerleaders in life and now you have a chance to say thanks, enjoy a meal together and engage in good conversation.

Since Rep. Tubbs Jones’ death, I’m reminded of opportunities I might have to make someone’s day when they’re feeling a little crappy. And there’s a kid I know that needs a motivational nudge before school starts. I could be the one to say “You go boy! Let’s see all passing grades this year. You can do it.” A woman I know has been unemployed for a while. Her morale has reached an all-time low as job prospects and resulting circumstances continually take a dive. A few encouraging words might cheer her up a little.

And gosh, I’ve got a mate who still needs to hear that I love him. I don’t do it often enough. I don’t need to wait for a special occasion.

So don’t put off things you intend to do that might help lift yourself or others. We never know when something will occur in life that will prevent us from following through. Time’s on your side. Use it for the best of life, yours or someone else’s. Do it now.