They called him Ernie.....

Edition 71 Monday December 13th  2010

Hi ,  the weekend got off to a flying start with the annual Devonport RSA Christmas luncheon on Friday. Numbers were down due to the club sadly losing some of the older diggers who hung up their muskets for good during the year however the food and fellowship as always was excellent.       I love taking the time to attend this and other RSA functions during the year, I find I have a priceless gift the older members crave……………..time to listen and show interest in them.

I met a guy called Ernie (89) who I always thought was a bit odd but after listening to his story I was amazed and inspired about the work he does for the underprivileged. Seems he collects kids stuff from the kerbside inorganic collections like toys, skateboards, rollerblades etc and regularly delivers  it to country schools and kids way less fortunate than the original owners! (brilliant).

I then did something completely out of character and followed the luncheon with a half day to wind down from the busy week. WOW what a difference that made to the day and the weekend, I strongly recommend it for a refreshing change…..dare you to do the same……cheers Jonesey

Harry the fortunate hound donated some only chewed once tennis balls to Ernies collection!

  

Time “Next week there cant be any crisis. My schedule is already full” Henry Kissinger

Todays story featuring Ernie from the luncheon reminded me of the importence of making time for stuff like this. It would have been easy to decline the invitation due to work pressure and to have missed a rich and rewading opportunity to connect with some outstanding people. Many of these whom have paid their dues to society through a lifetime of hard work that included amongst other stuff, defending our country , working in businesses, raising families, paying taxes and in Ernies case even now still giving their time and goodwill generously.

Things like this make the issues we worry ourselves sick about seem insignificant in the greater scheme of things. Attending functions like the Raza lunch tend to put things into perspective and make you glad you made the effort and gave the time the older generation crave so desperately.

How does this relate to us day to day?,to me, it reinforces the importance of prioritising our time and making sure what we do with it is the most productive for us, our companies and our families. I hope it makes you think, take stock, agree, and ensure you make every minute count.  “Yesterday is a cancelled cheque;tomorrow is a promissary note; today is the only cash you have-so spend it wisely. Kay Lyons