It’s always amazing to me when I sit down to write this column/newsletter the things I place here to help, entertain, or inform you readers. Sometimes my mind is just vacant and I wait. Today was one of those days where the “VACANCY” sign was so prevalent. Then, all of a sudden so much came. I’ll share those comings with you, now.
I found these puns (I love puns), and want to share them with you: My hubby told me to stop impersonating a flamingo; I had to put my foot down. The guy who fell into an upholstery machine is now fully recovered. Parallel lines have so much in common; it’s a shame they’ll never meet. The rotation of Earth really makes my day. The guy who invented the door knocker got a no-bell prize.
“Christ has turned our sunsets into dawns.” Clement of Alexandria. Even in death, the sunset of life, a new dawn breaks. Over the last year, I’ve had to deal with the death of some I loved. Of course, the grief and tears came, but then the acceptance slowly moved in, like a gentle fog, and helped me to accept the sunsets and recognize the new dawns. The void of their being will always be with me, but the knowing of the new dawn they are experiencing is comforting. There is a Japanese saying, “Crying is a way your eyes speak when your mouth can’t explain how broken your heart is.”
I live by 7 Marine rules: Tell the truth. Do your best, no matter how trivial the task. Choose the difficult right over the easy wrong. Look out for the group before you look out for yourself. Don’t whine or make excuses. Judge others by their actions not their race, color of skin, or religion. Respect those who are in authority; if not them, respect their rank. How interesting it has been to read the 10 Life lesson based on Navy SEALS’ training:
Start by making your bed—start each day by completing a task. Find someone to help you paddle or get through life---you can’t change the world alone, look for help. Measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers---the will to succeed is greater than one’s physique, background, ethnicity, etc. Get over being perfect and move forward---you will never be perfect. Strive for progression, not perfection. Don’t be afraid of the circuses---overcoming failure makes you stronger. Slide down obstacles head first sometimes—risk being called foolish. Don’t back down from the sharks---Stand up to obstacles and fears, head on, to succeed. Be your very best in your darkest moment---be calm and composed, use all your tactical skills, strength, and fortitude. Start singing when you are up to your neck in mud---Be the ONE to inspire. Don’t ever ring the bell---NEVER quit.
I was asked what my advice to today’s graduates is. My answer: “NEVER stop learning. NO matter how big or small the lesson, learn from it. Learn practical things; learn some challenging things. With each opportunity, learn something because eventually you will use what you learned to better yourself, situation, or help another.”
A former student of mine smashed his finger, a few months ago, doing some repairs. There was no damage shown at the moment, but about a week later a purple mark showed up under the fingernail. It worked its way about half-way up his nail. No pain, just working its way out. He started thinking that so many of us are damaged from our past. Maybe trauma, maybe loss, maybe addiction, or what ever it may be messed us up. Healing isn’t always evident or loud. Sometimes, it’s just a slow process we may not even notice. Thank you, Andy, for your insight and words of wisdom. A+, kiddo!!!
On a certain question about things people brag about, one person mentioned that people proudly wearing a cap which says "Viet Nam Vet" irritated him. He stated, “It’s like the guy in his 70s still wearing his high school letter jacket. Have you not grown or accomplished anything in the past 60 years?” My poignant response to him was:
"Obviously you have NEVER been in a war like Viet Nam was. Obviously you have NEVER looked the end of lives in the face like these vets have. Obviously you have NEVER had your buddy lose their life who was beside you. Obviously you have NEVER carried over 100 pounds of your life on your back walking through mine fields, swampy "land", hot and humid jungles knowing there is someone or something hidden which will kill you. When you have done all that, you are entitled to criticize another proudly wearing a piece of garment telling where THEY went through all that and retuned ALIVE." The "administration" did not accept my reply. But, they did accept another telling the irritant he was an ass. Interesting.
How Come Department: How come there’s enough asphalt for speed bumps, but not enough for pot holes? How come peanut butter is put in small mouth jars instead of large mouth so you can get every bit out? How come young family members return to the fridge a milk carton with only a tablespoonful of milk when there is enough room in their glass for that one tablespoon? How come directions are posted in Braille at an outside drive-up window? How come some parents object to discipline at school? Could it be it shows what isn’t done at home? How come some parents would rather be liked than respected by their child? How come when you meet the tree you understand the apple? How come 72 degrees in the summer feels differently than 72 degrees in the winter?
Aint Daisy was rocking in her chair on the screened porch as I approached. “Whall, looky here who’s a-come to see ole me. Come on up and set a spell, chile. Tell me all about yer week. I sat down in the other rocking chair and smiled at that sweet, wise soul. “It’s been quite a week, Aint Daisy. I’ve had lots of smiles, but some frowns thrown in for appreciation of the smiles.” She grinned. “Looks like yer a-learning ‘bout life, sweet one. Did ja learn anything with all that?” I told her I was pretty certain I had. She said, “Whall, what cher learnt was experience. What cher learnt was experience is not weakness; it is strength shaped by resilience, perseverance, and time. You’ll use it all as the days go along. Then, ifin yer wise, like I think ye are, you’ll pass that experience along to others. I got some fresh cherry pie and whipped cream in the kitchen. Come on in and let’s have us some.” Of course I was not about to turn down any pie from my Lady of the Holler.
I have a former student who has battled cancer. She has beaten it with determination and prayers from others and herself. After chemo, she lost her hair. It is slowly returning, but she doesn’t think she looks very attractive. I told her, “Your beauty is not superficial. It has been and will always be what cosmetics or hair pieces can’t cover up. Your beauty is from within, and that is the most important beauty of all. You’re not tough; you’re resilient. Resilience is more than tough because it comes back. You are loved, sweet girl.”
“Ugliness is not about how someone looks. It’s is revealed in the way they lie without flinching, manipulate without shame, and hurt others without any remorse. Beauty is telling the truth and knowing if it hurts trying to make it gentle; helping another feel important as they help you; and not purposely hurting another in words or deeds, but when it happens, you apologize with your heart. As my sweet mother always said, “Beauty is only skin deep. Kindness, truthfulness, and sincerity go to the soul.”
We were experiencing a severe rain storm. The rain was pretty strong and the thunder, which followed the lightning, was deafening. One of my little ones said, “Mom, it’s raining pretty hard out there.” I told her the rain was all of God’s tears pouring down. She then asked, “If the rain is God’s tears, what is the thunder?” I started to answer, but her brother called out, “It’s God’s farts.” I put a pillow over my face so he couldn’t hear the screaming laughter from me.
“It may not happen today. It may not happen tomorrow, but if I give up it will never happen.” Author unknown
Well, I’ve come to the end of the 2 pages. I’ve been blessed with all this for you. I hope you have enjoyed what you’ve read. Share the link with another, if you’d like. https://frommiperspective.blogspot.com/
Smiles and blessing to you,
Always, Trudy J🎕
No comments:
Post a Comment