When was the last time you loaded a water pistol, hid behind a bush and squirted guests arriving at your home? When was the last time you tucked yourself behind a corner of the house, or office, jumped out and scared the wits out of a loved one or fellow employee? When was the last time you, dressed in pajamas, encouraged the kids to join a midnight bug hunt in the backyard? When was the last time you had ice cream for breakfast? When was the last time you, heaven forbid, acted childish?
Those thoughts were running through my mind as I drove home steering the car with my knees - just kidding - after a night of being a presenter at the Rocky Mountain Communities 2012 gala. The non-profit organization provides attractive and affordable communities and support services for more than 2,000 people in seven locations throughout Colorado.
On this night it was honoring Arthur McDermott with the Gordon Von Stroh Service to Community Award for McDermott’s outstanding commitment, passion and wisdom in support of affordable housing. Yours truly was honored to crash the party and exalt a dear friend who has always been supportive of my endeavors. The New Jersey-born, but Colorado-rooted, father of five, grandfather of 12 and devoted hubby of lovely bride Margaret, possesses a positive spirit. However, I didn’t realize the level of playfulness present within the fit and handsome long-time caretaker of affordable housing. Margaret, in remarks about her hubby’s devotion to family, revealed the before-mentioned antics that sparked questions kicking off this week’s Pep Talk.
The word that kept running through cranium when thinking of a frequent breakfast companion was exuberant, defined as “abounding in vigor, vitality and high spirits.” That certainly describes the Rutgers University graduate. What about us?
Would anybody describe us as “abounding in vigor, vitality and high spirits?” If not, why?
Well for one good reason, life’s unexpected, and unwanted, twists and turns that leave us wondering, “What the heck is going on around here?” have a tendency to erode childlike playfulness don’t they? For some reason McDermott, despite many challenges - divorce and real estate crashes to name a few - has been able to persevere and remain exuberant. Admirable.
It ain’t easy to be consistently positive and upbeat when physical, emotional and financial adversities threaten our well being. When the storms of life come a callin’ - and they do - perhaps an effective strategy would be to rally with others in similar situations and encourage one another to be joyful for the blessings of life, optimistic about the future and courageous despite the past.
This week, despite what ails us, let’s focus on abounding in vigor, vitality and high spirits. Squirt water pistols! Spook somebody! Eat ice cream for breakfast! Live!
It sure has worked for Arthur McDermott. A packed ballroom of admirers is proof of that. It can work for us too.
1 comment:
Every breath is a miracle. More than 7 trillion cells that replace themselves every week play in a concert involving literally different types of acids a few salts, and a whole lot of water that all knows where to be and what it is supposed to do at any given time. Yep, the human body at 70-80% water is a miracle of engineering that cannot be accurately or reliably duplicated by any scientist or doctor.
So, every breath is truly a miracle, and we can be a great deal happier appreciating that, whether or not (I choose to) acknowledge that God's hand designed it. Let our only fear be that we forget to be happy, or grateful that we are enjoying, instead of fertilizing the flowers.
You have a great attitude, Mark. I know you also have "those days," too. I am just glad that when either of us has those odd days, we have something for one another to build a smile or feed a belly laugh. Thanks for maintaining objectivity in a subjective field.
Lou Farris
The Denver Deal Maker
a proud member of the Colorado Deal Makers Team
at Your Castle Real Estate
Post a Comment