What is your idea of a person who does remarkably well in life? To me, it is someone who thrives where they are, greets everyday moments with enthusiasm, and seeks to improve in all areas of life. That is what I aim for, and what I strongly admire in the people around me!
My Great Uncle
My great uncle was such a man. He did life remarkably well! His attitude was always positive and his personal habits were admirable – always combed hair and tidy clothes. His eyes would twinkle as he related past adventures he had enjoyed – and there were a wonderful number of them! He knew how to value and appreciate people!
He told me that he met my aunt when he was selling life insurance. As I recall, he came into the office where she worked to sell insurance, but instead of selling insurance he was sold on her! They were such a terrific match for each other!
I remember him coming to visit my family and I shortly after his wife, my great aunt, died. That is really when I got know him better. We were more intentional to plan meals together. I also started to write him letters just to say hello and let him know we were thinking about him. Though not very often, I did my best to write consistently, and before long he started responding! I have many wonderful notes from him – they are definitely treasures! I have his daughter to thank for most of those notes – he would dictate and she would write them!
My great uncle was about the closest thing I have known to a grandfather (both my grandfathers died before I was born) and I am so grateful that I had the privilege of knowing such a man! I do miss him – writing him little notes and visiting him from time to time – but I know he missed my great aunt, and I’m sure they are together now! Isn’t God so kind to put people in our lives?!
Learning from Others
I learn a lot from the people around me and love taking notes of things that I perceive them doing as remarkably well! I want to share a few of my personal favorites and hopefully this will spark inspiration of what you admire and want to emulate!
- Valuing other people – whether it is showing value for others through spending time with them, brainstorming with them, or simply sending a “thinking of you” note, letting people know that I value them is of the greatest importance to me! And I want them to know I value them not just when they are present, but also, and especially, when they aren’t. The people in my life hold a special place in my heart, and I want them to know that their value is deeper than just face value.
- Strong confidence – the importance of being confident in life has been impressed on me in several different ways lately. I strongly admire people who are confident where and with who they are. No apologies necessary. I believe in order to do remarkably well, confidence in God and His plans for you are vital! And what better way to thrive than to have a strong confidence in God?!
- Kind heart – I so admire a kind heart! One that isn’t concerned that other’s are out to get you or worried that your intentions may be less than stellar. One that is able to look past another’s struggles and discount them as a difficult moment, rather than thinking less of you as a person.
- Joie de vivre – the exuberant enjoyment of life! Don’t you just love that expression?! In order to do remarkably well, you must be exuberant about life! And not just your life, share your exuberance with others and fuel their purpose with your enthusiasm!
- Intentional living – a haphazard lifestyle will rarely lead us to remarkable paths. Make intentional decisions to pursue excellence and a delightful life! Quite often in life, we are given far more choices than we realize. If we will be alert and ready, we will find that many things we want are just waiting for us to make the intentional decision to claim them!
A Remarkable Life
Isn’t it energizing to consider that we don’t have to live average, ordinary lives?! Each of us has the opportunity to live out our life story remarkably well – let’s intentionally make this decision!
Start today! Look around you and notice other people. Whom do you admire? What is it about them that you like? How can you develop the attitude and responses that so inspire you? How can you become a person which might propel others to live remarkably well?!
A company that I really like includes an encouraging flier in their packages – it inspires me and I hope it does you too!
God goes before you today and His presence is with you.
He has a life for you to live, a plan for you to follow, and a purpose for you to fulfill.
He has allowed you to be here, at this time in history, to be a watchman to this generation.
Each of us has the potential to leave a lasting impression – let’s run our race remarkably well so that we might finish well, just like my great uncle.
Until Next Time!
Hope.