This column is dedicated to my good friend, Faulkner County Judge Jim Baker, as he gave me the idea for it. He also caused me to stop and think about all the great things I have that are free and did not cost me a cent in terms of money. Hopefully, my words will cause you to stop and think about all the great things you have that are free as well.
In the preface for my new book, “Your Future Begins Today,” Jim states: “This book helped me remember that the best things in life are free. For instance, observing a child’s growth, running through the rain, playing with a dog, smiling at others, or taking children to church to learn about God’s salvation. Some of my favorite memories are watching my children sing ‘Nothing but the blood of Jesus’, or learning about how Jesus turned the water into wine. These are all integral parts of my life that cost nothing.”
As a general statement, let me say that the United States of America is the most blessed nation on earth. However, many of our blessings have come at the great cost and sacrifice of others. In the darkest days of our nation’s history, we were more or less forced into two world wars that changed the course of history. As a result, several million men and women gave their lives in defense of the freedoms that we enjoy today. There were also several million others who were maimed or injured and who were constantly reminded of the cost of freedom, a freedom that younger generations may know little about.
Yes, the greatest blessing we have is freedom, and in this environment, we can say, “The best things in life are free.” One of the first things that comes to my mind are “memories” of happy times growing up, playing basketball for the Gould Panthers, riding around town in Billy Kittler’s Model A, going to the cash register and getting a few dollars at our “greasy spoon” restaurant and getting the car keys from mom. At this time, I did not know there was a big world out there, and that I would have opportunities to succeed like nowhere else on earth.
Another great blessing I had was when I worked for a man by the name of Bert Parke, president of Democrat Printing & Litho in Little Rock. I had worked for another printer and learned the business well and had also inherited my father’s gift for gab. Bert took a liking to me and hired me as a salesman. I soon began to sell a lot of printing, which made him happy. Back then the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce took annual good will tours to other cities. Being chairman of the tours, Bert took me along with him. We went to San Antonio and Houston, Texas, and Denver, Colorado, to be hosted by their chambers. On these tours I learned that the most successful people in the world were also the nicest people you would ever meet.
Another great blessing is the love we have for family and friends, which costs nothing except loyalty, and that is another thing that is free. The reason I wanted to share these things is that hopefully you will also stop and think about the things in your life that are free. Most of us have opportunity all around us that we will see with time, hard work, persistence and simply understanding that service to others will bring us rewards we can’t find anywhere else in the world. It’s true, “Attitude is really Gratitude” and that is also free. Thanks again, Jim.
—
(For a personally signed copy of my new book ‘Your Future Begins Today’ send $20 — includes postage & handling — to Jim Davidson, 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)