HAROLD KELLER – Get High on Life

I admire and enjoy meeting people who have a positive attitude. One such person was Jennifer Wendt, whom I met Sunday morning when I stopped for gas at Gaubert’s Food Market on my way to Thibodaux. She was the cashier who made me feel welcome with her smile and sweet spirit.

As I was about to leave, I told her thanks for being so pleasant and that I hoped she would never lose her good disposition. Confidently, she said with a smile, “I won’t!”

Jennifer continued to tell me that her friends can’t understand why she’s not depressed and worried about the news that her National Guard unit has been put on alert and may be going to Iraq.

“You’re excited about that?” I asked. “No, not really, but I accepted it as my duty when I joined the Guard,” she answered.

What a refreshing and encouraging conversation I had with Jennifer!

Refreshing – because in a time when many people are arguing about our role in the war and criticizing President Bush for fighting the war on terrorism, here is a young 23-year-old girl, not only available, but ready to respond to her country’s call!

Encouraging – because we sometimes want to write off our young people as selfish and a lost generation. We overlook the people like Jennifer who accept life on life’s terms, willing to go on with a positive attitude.

Attitude is more important than education, money, failures, success, circumstances or what other people think, say or do.

Chuck Swindoll, one of my favorite evangelists and authors, often says that life is only 10 percent of what happens to us and 90 percent of how we react to it.

I feel sure that Jennifer Wendt has mastered the art of living a positive life.

I thank God that I stopped for gas last Sunday so that I can be blessed by meeting one of His very special people. With people like Jennifer, I think we’ll agree that the future of our country is in good hands.

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational organization. Call 652-8477 or write to P.O. Draw