What’s your gift?

I was reading Susan Ochsner’s daily post this morning on Facebook ® and thought it would be good to share with you. Susan, a friend from our former church in Hilton Head , has a clear view of the ocean from her house . She makes it her business every day to share a photo of that inspiring view along with a quote. Here was this morning’s quote from Lou Holtz, former coach of Notre Dame’s football team:

“Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it”.

Why does Susan do this every day? Because it is (one of) her gifts to share with the world! I don’t know how long she spends each day preparing her photo and quote to share, probably 15-30 minutes I suspect. I’m sure it is a time of introspection for her as she prepares herself for her day. But instead of keeping it to herself she chooses to share it with us. How neat is that?

This morning’s post with Lou Holtz’ quote particularly caught my attention because he is one of my favorites and has been ever since we had him as our keynote speaker at a Wanderlodge ® sales meeting back in the 80’s. He did a great job for us then and is still one of the most engaging and uplifting speakers I know.

As seniors, it’s easy to think that “Our time” has passed. That what we were put here on earth to do has already come and gone as they say. To which I say: “Bullwinkle”! Our time to accomplish is with us until we draw our last breath. Are you tempted to say “But I have arthritis” or “I’m bedridden” or I’m wheelchair bound” or, you fill in the blank ………………..? The fact is that each of us has some kind of excuse we could lean on if we choose to plunk ourselves down in our rocking chair and do nothing.

But as Lou Holtz says in Susan’s post today, “Ability is what we’re capable of” . I know I’m not capable of the 12 hour stress-filled days I used to put in at the office, but I can punch a keyboard and put together a column once a week; and so I choose to make that my gift. I realize that not everyone can or should write a column but,

•If you have a phone, you can make encouraging calls

•If you have a pen, you can write encouraging letters (Boy is that almost a lost art!)

•If you have a computer, you can send encouraging emails to family and friends or to the world these days with all the social media at your fingertips

•If you have a car and can still drive, you can provide transportation to those who can’t do it themselves or visit shut-ins.

•If you have an imagination, you can ……….!

•If you have some self motivation, you will determine what it is you will do to serve others.

And, as Lou Holtz says, after you decide what you’re going to do to help others, your attitude will determine how well you do it. My dad used to tell me: “Anything worth doing, is worth doing well”. I’d say that both Lou Holtz and my dad had some good advice wouldn’t you?

Thank you , Susan, for sharing your gift, and thanks to all my readers for reading All About Seniors…..see you next week!

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