JIMMY CARTER AND THE DANCING KID


 


“We must adjust to changing times,

and still hold steadfast to unchanging principles.”

Jimmy Carter

 

Purpose in life keeps us productive, useful… Should I say ‘Youthful’, too?

We just have to look at former American President Jimmy Carter’s life and legacy… He passed away, at 100, just two weeks ago. Barring a couple of years before that century-long life, he lived with a clear purpose through ‘Habitat for Humanity’, in which, he and his wife Rosalynn had involved immediately after his four-year-term was over as 39th  President of America. Leading from the front, for close to forty-five years, since then, the Carters inspired countless volunteers to build thousands of affordable houses, both, inside and outside America…

President Carter, through these years, survived brain cancer, a hip surgery, multiple stiches around his wounded eye and many other challenges. What has been endearing was the childlike enthusiasm and steadfast faith he and his wife exuded through all the ups and downs of their purposeful legacy…

At 66, when thoughts of anxiety and cynicism overwhelm me, I think of President Jimmy Carter’s life… It reignites zeal and optimism in my bosoms. His childlike exuberance is what  the celebration of life all about…

Purpose, when it is nailed hard into our resolve, keeps us going through all odds… Keeps us childlike and buoyant!




Earlier in the day, my friend Aditi shared this delightful video…







I had watched this heartwarming video of Latin American kids some months ago. Today, Aditi (who holds a good corporate position and drives her own SUV), after watching this video, had decided to commute to her office by BEST just to revive some of her own childhood memories… She wrote to me this:

In the bus, I saw six little boys – probably from class 5 - full of masti… They were trying to sit on one boy’s lap. Finally, three of them shared one seat… and they kept squabbling. The bus was suddenly vibrant and filled with energy…What fun!

The boys tried to confuse the conductor. But, he was too smart… He attended to each at a time and patiently handed the tickets…

Small, everyday instances make me happy!


These little kids have no idea about ‘Purpose in life’… But, they certainly have an idea about spontaneous joy. President Jimmy Carter chose to be childlike till he lived his 100 years… Yes, he superbly adjusted to the changing times, while holding steadfast to the unchanging principles of Life…

 

GERALD  D’CUNHA


Pic: Pensacola News Journal

Videos:1. PBS NewsHour  2. Internet 





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