On the way to work this morning I had the radio tuned to one of my local country stations 94.1 KMPS.  The morning program is hosted by a classy DJ named Ichabod Caine.  He played a snippet of an interview he had with a man named Ray Jenkins who at 101 years of age still works full time and recently received a national award for being America’s Oldest Worker.  Here’s a link to the article which provides a fine bio for his life, http://www.experienceworks.org/site/PageServer?pagename=State_Primetime_2007_AOW

One of the things that I love about the internet is that it is much more dynamic, responsive and speedy when it comes to news, trends and the like.  Many blogs and articles have already been written about Ray and I am thankful to have heard and read the story.

I have always wanted to live 123 years so I could celebrate 100 wedding anniversaries with my wife.  I was reminded again that it isn’t just living that provides the victory, but giving.  Here is a man that is giving through work and really more importantly through service.  He would probably be an amazing man to work with because he has so much life experience.  His words of wisdom are oft repeated but rarely followed, “keep your body active and your mind active.”

My assumption is that this gentleman doesn’t hold onto anger or bitterness for very long.  He knows he brings a contribution to the table and he feels it is his reasonable service to do so.  I am reminded of George Burns who puffed his cigar until a month and a half after his 100th birthday.  He was happy and contributed happiness to others.  He was able to forestall the effects of his cigars because of an active body and mind.  He gave an he received.

For me, I have spent the majority of my life trying to receive without giving.  I have noticed that most people operate in a similar mindset.  Certainly there are ways that I do serve and give and contribute; I could do so much more.  One of the reasons I was so sad when my Grandpa Joe passed away was because he gave so much to me throughout his life.  I truly believe that 20 more years with him would have been better.

This is true for all of us.  We were made in the likeness and image of God.  We don’t always acknowledge this yet it is true just the same. 

Last night as I was cleaning my portion of the messy basement I came across a 5×7 card that I had written on.  The heading of the card read, “What would I do or try if I knew I could not fail?”  Some of the answers on the card are still very close to my heart, though my actions have not lined up with my intentions.  I have always wanted the hope first before the faith.  In fact, hope can only come when I have faith first. 

I endeavor to trust more, to give more and to believe more.  I endeavor to be a contributor instead of a receiver. 

What are you going to contribute?  What would attempt or do if you knew you could not fail?