Columnist: I’ll be happy when …

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Jerry Johnson

Contributing columnist

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Stop and enjoy what you’re doing now. Enjoy the moment you’re in.

Most people keep talking about when they get this or get that they will be happy. We were blessed last year to go to Ireland and Scotland.

We saved money for a long time to go, we planned the trip. Yes, we did enjoy it, but you know we have just as much fun going to North Georgia riding around.

We take our time enjoying each other and the beautiful country we live in. Do not get caught up in the idea that “I need stuff or trips to make me happy.”

Years ago my agents used to buy me very nice gifts at Christmas and, yes, I gave them something nice back. Several years ago we started picking a family and we spent the money we would spend on each other on them for Christmas, and I would do likewise.

You know it just feels better to do that! During this season get caught up in the people around you and enjoy every minute.

Last week my cousins over in Alabama asked me to come hunt on my grandfather’s land. It had been over 30 years since I had walked across that land and the creeks.

I remember the creek being bigger, but I can still remember my dad’s bird dogs and my uncle’s dogs with them hunting with us boys. Go out and make some memories of your own.

My son, Jay, took his nephew Evan for his birthday out shooting and, just like in the movies, a coyote went across the pasture at 240 yards and Jay made the perfect shot, then they skinned it and Jay is tanning the hide for him. Now tell me that will not be an “I am in the moment event” for Evan for the next 30 years that will last.

My friends, my message is whatever you do, enjoy what you’re doing.

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” — Albert Einstein.

Jerry Johnson is president of First Realty of LaGrange.