The Dance.

"And now I'm glad I didn't know

The way it all would end, the way it all would go

Our lives are better left to chance

I could have missed the pain

But I'd have had to miss the dance."

Life is a guessing game. The only part of it we can guarantee—it will not last forever. If for some reason you thought it would, I hate to ruin your day. But then again, maybe I am wrong and you will live forever. I would suggest not betting on it.

There have been some incredible statistics floating around regarding being prepared for the time you retire. It might be close, it might be in the distance, but there's little doubt we will one day, "call it a day." We all want to be prepared, but what if we're not? I have thought about this probably more than I should. It's been more of a focus on what would I do once I leave the rat race and slow down. It's an interesting thought for me; one thing I know for sure is I will not be sitting on the couch.  (Unless it's a really comfortable one and then I just might do it more than I thought I would.)

I have told my friends if I won the lottery, for example, I would of course quit my job, but not stop working. That would be very difficult for me, and even more difficult for my wife and kids—-actually, much more difficult for them. You can laugh, and others have, but I would like to get a job where I can help people, be personable, and have little stress to deal with. I would like to be a Walmart greeter. I am serious.

Here's why….

As a greeter you can engage with people when they come into the store; I was always impressed with the way I have heard Sam Walton did it when he ran his "Five and Dime" store. This would be  before Walmart. He just knew how to be friendly—and whereas he may not have been "on " 24/7, I do believe he was pretty darn passionate about helping people. That would be cool…I think I would be really good at it too. Would I take a salary? Are you kidding me? Nope. I would be set having won the lottery. 

One thing I would love to do is pull surprises on people when they are in store shopping. Can you imagine seeing a family— knowing they're working as hard as they can to make ends meet—and then when they approach the check out, walk up and plunk down a credit card for their purchase. Or better yet, not have them know you did it and see their faces when they hear, "It's paid for, please enjoy your day." What a photograph that would be! 

In today's culture we need to emphasize the good because we all know the opposite is out there just as often. We can't all be as giving as we would like, but if we do something to lift someone's day, it for sure will make you feel better and someone will truly appreciate it. Think about giving it a try. Just once.

The photo above is of my daughter prior to a dance recital this past year. When it's all said and done, we have one chance to make the most of our lives—some will do the tango, others line dances, and still others whatever they feel deep inside. Enjoy the ride, it's one of a lifetime.

Thanks for stopping by