Before my father passed away, he cleaned out his shed and house and held an auction. My siblings and I helped him sift through a lifetime of tools, bolts, chainsaws, and lawnmowers to decide what to toss, what to keep, and what to sell.

Mom had passed away several years earlier. We decided it was finally time to purge her sewing and craft room. It was an eye-opening experience. We discovered unfinished projects: quilts, knitted sweaters, cross-stitched pictures, and embroidered pillowcases. My mother was an industrious woman. She was happiest when creating something for someone she loved.

What do you do in the spare time you have available?

Today entertainment often means occupying yourself on your phone, sharing pictures on Facebook or playing video games. But do those pastimes produce lasting benefits for you and those you want to have an impact on? 

Choose to spend your time on things that are industrious and productive. Consider pastimes that:

• Teach
• Create
• Repair
• Improve

Hobbies develop invaluable skills that keep your brain sharp and your conversation interesting. Some of my friends go on a mission trip every two years. The good they do impacts those they serve as well as themselves. Many now share the experience of helping others with their children and/or grandchildren. The memories made and the lives impacted are passed on to future generations.

Those pastimes will keep you interested and interesting as you approach your third act.

Check out these three young men who learn the value of being industrious.

The road is easier together,

Linda Laitala, President
Raven Performance Group