I became aware of a sobering fact that many of us feel stuck. Although our feelings don’t define us, many of us describe our lives as uneventful and we find ourselves simply going through the motions.

Sometimes we feel stuck because we start to “play it safe” as we get closer to retiring, fearful that changes could negatively impact us financially or physically. Others have grown comfortable knowing that tomorrow will be the same as yesterday. No matter what our excuse we need to be aware that staying in a rut doesn’t cause time to stand still, but rather, causes our life to pass us by.

Time waits for no one, but how do we get our lives back on track? Perhaps we recall the dreams and goals we held in our youth. We might even get a good laugh as we discover we didn’t play in the NBA or win the Nobel Peace Prize. But the real question we must ask ourselves is if we are happy and if we are good stewards of our resources of time, talent and treasure. If we always liked sports, art or history have we kept that in our lives and have we shared our enthusiasm with others?

Since each of us has a God-given responsibility to care for others, we might choose something to get involved with our church, community, environment or government. As Gandhi said “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” And knowing where our passion lies can be a great first step in liberating ourselves from a stagnate life.

Life is journey and at times it’s even messy. We make mistakes, we fear change, we struggle through challenges, and occasionally we lose our joy, but through it all we should continue forward. We know life isn’t always easy but it’s worth it. There are always valuable lessons contained within any experience; good or bad. When we prosper others grow, when we fail we grow. Therefore failures should not cause embarrassment instead we should look at the experience like consuming a box of Cracker Jacks—once the snack is gone you are left with a prize.

Each one of us invests our energy into what we deem important. In our youth, money was of utmost importance because we had so little of it and it was and will always be a necessity. But at some point we discover that life is not about acquiring more of what we already possess. We come to realize that our family, friends, faith and health are more precious than material goods. For this reason, often times retirees volunteer. So if it’s not about money, what is our motivation, what are our dreams and desires? Where do we want to direct our energy? What changes would we like to see for our children, our children’s children and the future of the world? Perhaps we would like to see the end of poverty, abortion, corruption, disease, or the death penalty. Maybe we believe in stronger family values, smaller government, a need for tax reform, changes to the legal system, etc. It may not be accomplished in our lifetime but without a beginning there can be no end. Find your purpose and be the architect of a brighter tomorrow.

Upcoming events:

This Sunday is Father’s Day and the Versailles Eagle’s Auxiliary is holding its buffet-style breakfast from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the lodge. The breakfast includes sausage, pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, biscuits and gravy, fruit, toast, orange juice and coffee for $7.50 for adults and $4 or children ages 4-10.

Don’t forget T&CP will be performing “Nunsense” June 23 at 7:30 p.m., June 24 at 7:30 p.m. and June 26 at 2 p.m., tickets are available by calling 937/689-6111. Also mark your calendar for the beginning of the free T&CP Fountain Square Entertainment Series on July 1 from 7-9 p.m.—“Sauerkraut German Band,” with beverages for purchase from Moeller Brew Barn and Michael Anthony.

Congratulations to Joely Bertram, daughter of Molly McGuire and Joe Bertram, crowned 2016 Little Miss Poultry Days. First runner-up is Nadia Bolin, daughter of Carly and Josh and second runner-up Maggie DeLand, daughter of Katie and Tim. Congratulations to Alyssa Morgan who was crowned the 2016 Miss Chick, and to first runner-up Megan VanSkyock and second runner-up Maggie Hedrick.

Happy birthday to Connie Schrader, Fred Banks, Carley Timmerman, Shellie Stump, Robin Seubert, Matthew Fisher, Betty McKenna, Susie (Baltes) Barga, Angie Keiser, Tonda Riley Monnin, Teresa Comer, Carolyn Poling, Crystal Hartzell, Jacki Stonebraker, Kris Barlage, Christy Baker, Judy Lumby, Joann Eilerman, Roberta Condon, Sandy Peters, Judy Benkert, Suzanne Hippley, Jeff Cochran, Cindy Grogean, Jenny Pleiman, Aunt Martha Magoto, Betty Monnin, Rita Brandon, Kasey Christian, Carrie Dehart, and Samantha Keiser as their birthdays approach. Anniversary wishes to Kate and Bryon Vulgamore (2), Betsy and Jeremy Yagle (6), Hillary and Scott Holzapfel (6), Deb and Ted Blakeley (23), Judy and Jeff Cochran (28), Tammy and Bruce Magoto (??), and Marcy and Bill Roll (40).

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Georgie Kemper (double hip surgery), Diane Magoto (broken ankle), Brenda Schemmel, Jeff Barrett, Jerry Malloy, Jack Borgerding, Jerry Paulus, Dave Flatter, Bev Holsapple, Norma Raterman, Rita Glick, Noah Evans, Lois and Jim Youngker, Linda Wilson, Adam Schwieterman, Kevin McCoy, Judy York, Delores Williams, Sam Yagle, Lexi Fliehman, Jan Turner, Barb Goubeaux, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Dave Francis, Ann Paulus Pedersen, Dan Monnin, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Wayne Pittsenbarger, Barb and Jon Agne, Samantha Smith, Michelle Ullom, Bob Homan and all those who are sick, suffering, hospitalized, and/or home-bound.

Sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Miriam Slonkosky (85) also remembering the lives of Michael Liette, Verena Bohman and Bernadine Homan, also remembering the lives of Dr. Jerry Mestemaker, Clara Paulus, Dan Eilerman, John Gearhardt, Alma Treon, Dick Brandon, Mary Monnin, Paul Pepiot, Eileen Morgan, Stew Prakel, Winnie Davidson, Dale Weese, Ed Bruns, Judy Brodrick and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recently passing.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

“What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

“Life Begins at the end of your comfort zone” ~Unknown