Parish President Timmy Roussel of St. James Parish asked me to speak to the parish’s Human Resources Department.

The meeting took place this past Thursday in Vacherie. I was asked to keep my remarks between 10 and 15 minutes. I chose to speak about success.

I shared that we are all created for success. The problem is people talk about success not knowing what success really is. Success is not about what you accumulate, but what you give away.

One of the most successful persons I ever met was a man in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1955. He made a living by shining shoes.

He charged 25 cents for a shoeshine. I always looked forward to getting my shoes shined by him, not for the shine, but for his conversation and wisdom.

I asked one day how he made a living shining shoes. He smiled and said, “My charge is 25 cents, but you for an example always gives me a dollar or two.  Very few people give me 25 cents.”

He told me he had three daughters. Two finished college and the other was in high school. He had a good attitude and was a master of personal relations.

I told the group that they were some of the most valuable people in the parish and were called to be public servants. I continued by telling them that those who serve with a positive attitude will reap the benefits of enjoying a good life and will be considered successful. I closed with the challenge to each of the employees to take one day at a time.    

“Be excited about the plan God has for your life. Keep in mind that to the world you are one person, but to one person you might be the one to make a difference in their lives.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.