Be inspired by holiday

Memorial Day was set aside as a time to reflect on the numerous sacrifices made by fallen members of our armed forces. These brave men and women excelled in their call of duty; and are henceforth honored.

Most of us will not be required to lay down our lives. However, there is no reason why you can’t excel in your own life. On May 22, the Spokesman-Review reported the arrests of six Tehran teenagers for demonstrating that life can be more than just routine. In the same issue, Signe Wilkinson accurately portrayed the mindset of many Americans.

Bus driving is a very mundane occupation. Yet, one of our own Spokane Transit Authority drivers was recently named the champion driver of North America. There was once a young man whose job was operating a bolt press. One day, he decided to race the man running the bolt shearer. Eventually, his superiors noticed his enthusiasm. That young man ended up running the company.

You can also excel off the job. Learn another language. Take up an instrument. Go back to school. Put down that mop and pick up a palette. Take your kids on a nature walk. Don’t let your responsibilities have you.

Douglas Benn

Spokane