I remember back as a young man when I worked very hard, hours were long, yet I knew I wanted to write. For years I thought about it, but except for a few short stories I never followed through, always accepting my lame excuse to myself that someday I would. Then, before I knew it, the years went by and suddenly I found myself retired and had no clue what I would do with myself. Oh, with a wife still working, I had plenty of things to keep me busy. I learned the trials of being a house husband and animal caregiver, but I wanted something to really keep me "pumped" and finally realized what I wanted to do all along. I wanted to write and the thought got me motivated. And I pass on my experience because I know there are a lot out there who ended work in similar fashion and were really not prepared. Plus, there is always the likelihood of physical conditions changing which can seriously change our plans. It's not just for the beautiful young lady in the wheelchair but also for those of us as we age. So, we need to think about that as life changes or we might find ourselves miserable.
As I was thinking about how to go about things in my position, particularly now that I am slowed down somewhat by arthritis and a pinched nerve or two, I thought about the life of Helen Keller, reminded by the quote in the picture above. A blind woman, she taught herself how to write and inspire others despite her infirmity. I remember learning about her in school as a young boy and I guess my attention was drawn since I share her birthday and I was embarrassed to think that I could waste time contemplating when she, a dynamo of energy, asked for no sympathy but was tireless in carrying out her life's mission. And the picture above is illustrative of the attitude that we all should have. That young woman has a smiling countenance and instead of moping in self-pity at home, she is out there on a beautiful beach making the most out of her life.
And now back to me with my minor ailments and complaints, as most of us have from time to time. I took an intensive one year long course in creative writing and began my journey with the written word. I also asked God to show me the way and let me know if I was wasting my time or was this something for me. I don't recall him talking to me as we hear about the ancient prophets, but I do know there was many a night when I spoke in my prayers and asked Him to talk me through my subject. And I would often awaken the next morning with a clear idea of what I wanted to write. And now, seven years later, I sometimes find myself in a semi-daze as my hands practically work on their own writing down things I never really thought of. But when I read them, I find them to be much better than I could come up with so it must be God, indeed.
So, what is the purpose of writing all of this. Well, it's really simple and it goes like this. Each of us has a talent we can use under any circumstances, whether sound, sick or in-between. Sometimes we don't really know what it is, but we have to drive ourselves to find it. Try things out and see what seems comfortable, then ask God for guidance in determining what is right for you and give it some time. My guess is that over a trial and error period you will find something that really "trips your trigger" so to speak and when you do it will inspire you every day and enrich your life. Maybe you are in a wheelchair, maybe you have breathing issues, significant ongoing pain or maybe you are just depressed and bored and just sit around learning nothing from the passive boob tube while you gain weight and lose mobility from your inactivity. Who knows? But get up and figure it out. As long as you have the breath of life you have a purpose in living. Just do it and watch your spirits soar and probably your health or whatever the issue you have improves as well. Come on, folks. we aren't dead yet. Let's get busy. God and our special talent: combine them and make yourself a winner again.
As I was thinking about how to go about things in my position, particularly now that I am slowed down somewhat by arthritis and a pinched nerve or two, I thought about the life of Helen Keller, reminded by the quote in the picture above. A blind woman, she taught herself how to write and inspire others despite her infirmity. I remember learning about her in school as a young boy and I guess my attention was drawn since I share her birthday and I was embarrassed to think that I could waste time contemplating when she, a dynamo of energy, asked for no sympathy but was tireless in carrying out her life's mission. And the picture above is illustrative of the attitude that we all should have. That young woman has a smiling countenance and instead of moping in self-pity at home, she is out there on a beautiful beach making the most out of her life.
And now back to me with my minor ailments and complaints, as most of us have from time to time. I took an intensive one year long course in creative writing and began my journey with the written word. I also asked God to show me the way and let me know if I was wasting my time or was this something for me. I don't recall him talking to me as we hear about the ancient prophets, but I do know there was many a night when I spoke in my prayers and asked Him to talk me through my subject. And I would often awaken the next morning with a clear idea of what I wanted to write. And now, seven years later, I sometimes find myself in a semi-daze as my hands practically work on their own writing down things I never really thought of. But when I read them, I find them to be much better than I could come up with so it must be God, indeed.
So, what is the purpose of writing all of this. Well, it's really simple and it goes like this. Each of us has a talent we can use under any circumstances, whether sound, sick or in-between. Sometimes we don't really know what it is, but we have to drive ourselves to find it. Try things out and see what seems comfortable, then ask God for guidance in determining what is right for you and give it some time. My guess is that over a trial and error period you will find something that really "trips your trigger" so to speak and when you do it will inspire you every day and enrich your life. Maybe you are in a wheelchair, maybe you have breathing issues, significant ongoing pain or maybe you are just depressed and bored and just sit around learning nothing from the passive boob tube while you gain weight and lose mobility from your inactivity. Who knows? But get up and figure it out. As long as you have the breath of life you have a purpose in living. Just do it and watch your spirits soar and probably your health or whatever the issue you have improves as well. Come on, folks. we aren't dead yet. Let's get busy. God and our special talent: combine them and make yourself a winner again.
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