Undaunted
August 10
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
J.J. smiled as she watched Jim approach her teller window using a walker. She smiled because Jim’s ‘never-give-up-or-in’ attitude blessed her, and spoke volumes about the man. His perseverance silently encouraged everyone that knew him. He helped keep their perspective focused on things that mattered.
“Morning, J.J.!” he greeted. “How are you doing this fine morning?”
“Just wonderful Mr.Gault. And how are you?” she asked.
“I couldn’t be better if I was twins!” he replied jovially.
Born with polio, Jim had determined at a young age that he would not be defined by his disease. He’d graduated Valedictorian of a senior class of more than 300 students, and gone on to receive a bachelors, masters, and graduate degree from the Ohio State University. Since then it seemed as though everything he put his hand to had prospered. Many credited Jim’s success to a ‘Midas Touch’ of sorts. The truth was Jim worked harder than everyone else. For most of his life Jim had been the first to arrive and the last to leave the office. He was a dedicated man.
J.J. smiled at his ‘twins’ comment and said, “I’m not sure the world could take two of you anyway, Sir.”
He laughed, finished his banking business, and headed for one of the bank’s offices. He stopped in front of the door marked ‘CEO’. But instead of knocking, Jim opened the door, shuffled his way to the desk, and took his usual position…behind the desk.
Thirty years ago, Jim, recognizing the need for a family-oriented, full-service bank. Undaunted by the challenges such and undertaking presented, Jim founded the credit union, and has never missed a day of work.
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We have a choice as far as life is concerned. We can either play the hand we’ve been dealt, or we can sit on the sidelines, moping about how bad we’ve got it. It’s kinda hard to do the latter with people like Jim as an example.
If we refuse to be undaunted by whatever hurdles or obstacles we face, we will be amazed at where we find ourselves twenty years down the road. No matter how bad you’ve got it, God can and will give you the strength to carry on.
Prayer
“Give me strength, Lord! Then lead…and I’ll follow! Amen.”
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