Lessons from a 103-Year-Old Continued
Recently I listened to Jim Downing, a 103-year-old survivor of Pearl Harbor, share how he found joy and fulfillment and how that continued even when physical ailments of older age became prevalent. While others his age were giving in, he chose to press into his purpose in life.
How do YOU find the greatest joy that overcomes your greatest difficulties? Jim shared with us his keys for unlocking joy and passion in life that profoundly touched me. While speaking to us from his electric wheelchair, Jim exuded joy, exuded direction, and exuded his passion for life. Here was a 103-year-old who could have been worn down from life. He spent years as a naval officer in command, but now he couldn’t even command something as simple as his body, yet still had such joy for life!
He helped me realize that no matter your age, no matter your physical difficulties, no matter where you are in life, fulfillment is possible for achieving happiness and satisfaction. A big part of finding that joy is knowing first and foremost that you are never in pursuit of something you receive, but something you are able to use for connecting with others, something bigger and beyond yourself.
Jim shared with us four keys for unlocking joy to help you overcome your greatest difficulties. I want to start by sharing the first key —
Discover Your Gift. Discovering your gift doesn’t have to happen in your 20s or 30s. In fact, discovering what God made you to be isn’t something you can decide on one day and then simply move on. Discovering your gift comes from a connection to the larger world around you as people and opportunities open your eyes to your gifts.
During the process of raising a large family, I discovered other gifts God has given me to not only help my family, but the larger community as well, igniting my sense of fulfillment and passion. Do the same in your life and take the time to discover your gifts to find joy and passion in life, even when overcoming your greatest difficulties. Have your discovered your gift or other resources that help you on this discovery? Do share.
Recommended Resources on discovering your gifts:
- Five Voice Assessment from GiANT Worldwide
- StrengthFinder from Gallup
- Biblical DISC profile from Lead Like Jesus
Stay tuned for the second key in next week’s blog!
The 5 Voices: How to Communicate Effectively with Everyone You Lead
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