life lessons

You Can’t Recover

Backstory

I longed for a do-over. If only I could be given one more chance to make it right, I would do things so differently. But that privilege was denied. I was stuck with the action I had taken. No do-over. Never. It made me think of the times when you just don’t get a second chance. This week’s story is about those times.

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You Can’t Recover- #454

There are five things that you cannot recover in life:
          1. The Stone…after it’s thrown,
          2. The Word…after it’s said,
          3. The Occasion…after it’s missed,
          4. Time…after it’s gone,
          5. Loved ones …after they die

Yet we are so quick and willing to waste each of these precious commodities. It’s like we think they’ll always be there. And they won’t.

When something goes wrong, the stone of blame is thrown so quickly, often before the facts are known.

And the word – oh, the angry word that can’t come back after it’s said. Pray for the wisdom to take a breath when you are angry. Measure your words before they are said. The wrong words can live a lifetime with the one who hears them.

Then there are the occasions. If the occasion is special to someone you love, it should be special to you. Be there. It matters.

And when you decide how to spend your time, remember that no graveyard headstone ever said, “I wish I spent more time in the office.”

Spend it with those you love – particularly the young, and the old. Share stories. Create memories. Give generously of your time to those you love. They are not here forever – and neither are you.

P.S.

Second best is making up for one of the items you cannot recover. Sometimes you get the chance to admit your error, apologize and try to move on. Such a very poor alternative. Spend your time making sure you don’t commit these sins, rather than making up for them.

[Show #454]

Age of Maturity

Backstory

What is life all about? Writing the Consider This shows, I think about that. I watch out for what others are saying; sometimes the sages, sometimes wise old folks, sometimes innocent youngsters. One of my favorite musers of life is poet and memoirist Maya Angelou. You will find her quoted in this week’s story.

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Age of Maturity – #635

I’ve been trying to figure out if I have reached the age of maturity. What is that age? I believe it to be the point at which one is still young enough to perform, but is much more resourceful.

In the eyes of youth, there glows a flame. In the eyes of maturity, there shines a light. It’s a status earned by the baby boomers. Seems to apply to folks in their sixties and seventies who still have the vigor, if not the stamina. We are more accepting, less relentless. You might say we go from passion to compassion.

When you’re past 60, there are fewer things that we think are absurd. We’ve seen it all – or so we think – until the next mind-blowing occurrence reminds us that we are still in the game.

One thing we have learned for sure – nothing passes by as quickly as the years.

Things change as time passes.

Young people travel in groups; adults travel in pairs; old people walk alone.

The point of it all is to LIVE those years, not just accumulate them.

I like the way Maya Angelou put it. She said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

P.S.

Maya Angelou was quoted in this week’s story. Here is another of her quotes that obviously comes from a state of delightful maturity. She said, I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Amen.

[Show #635]

Teacher Krista

Backstory

We were all enthralled when Krista shared her adventures as a new teacher. Her biggest memory of her young students – They always had sticky hands! Besides the jokes and cute stories, a very distinct edge could be seen. Here was a young woman who was going to make a difference in the lives of the students she taught. May I share with you, the story of who inspired her.

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Teacher Krista – #653

Today our story is about a young teacher, on the last day of her first teaching assignment. I sincerely hope that her words bring back memories for you, of a beloved teacher somewhere in your past.

Krista wrote – “Today felt a lot like the last day of seventh grade. Only this time, I got to be on the teacher end.

“In seventh grade, my teacher, Mr. Heitmann, created a classroom community that I never wanted to leave. I always hoped that one day I would be able to do that for my students.

Today, between their tears and mine,I realized that I do have the ability to create that classroom community. It’s within my power to do so.”

Krista went on to describe her emotional exit and the goodbyes and selfies; the promises to be good, to be smart, to be special. You could just see the little children gathered about, reaching out for a last touch or hug or whisper, promising to remember always.

Krista concluded her story by sharing, “I left my students with a quote of Mr. Heitmann. It’s what he said to my seventh grade class, some ten years ago –

‘Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.’ “

Thank goodness the world has teachers like Mr. Heitmann, and now, Miz Krista.

P.S.

Krista will leave soon to teach in another land across the sea. How fortunate are the students who will be touched by her and inspired by her words and her example. The world needs all the Kristas it can get.

[Show #653]

Sharing Something of Value

Backstory

Someone shared the Chinese proverb with me. I have always found wisdom in words from the orient. Is it because they are exotic? Or simply bubbling with insight? In any case, I started thinking about what kinds of things have value to others, to me. This story came from those musings.

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Sharing Something of Value – #450

The Chinese have a saying – “When someone shares with you something of value, you have an obligation to share it with others.” You could apply that to many things – knowledge, money, gratitude, even smiles.

Imagine considering it an obligation to smile at someone else, every time someone smiles at you. The question is whether a smile is something of value. What do you think?

I remember hearing that a smile is an instant face lift. And indeed, a smiling face is so much more attractive than one with a frown drawn on it.

Watch attractive elderly women. They know the secret of the face-lifting smile. You will rarely see them without a smile on their lips. And you can’t help thinking how lovely they are.

What else do you receive of value that should be shared?

We Americans are generous with sharing our wealth; from donations to the Red Cross and Salvation Army, to funding of Wounded Warrior to individual help provided anonymously when we hear there is a need. To those who receive much, much is expected.

We seem to have learned the Chinese lesson well, although it never hurts to be reminded.

P.S.

Different times form different values. Living through the depression as a young adult, my grandmother found value in making things last. Even when times changed for the better, she continued to save string in a ball. Her notes were written on the backs of used envelopes. Drippings from this morning’s bacon fried green tomatoes for dinner. Sure is different from today’s use-and-discard approach.

[Show #450]

Entertainment Talent

Backstory – Entertainment Talent

Curious, I looked up the show business careers of several winners of America’s talent shows. Not many stayed at the top, after being discovered. Just having a good voice or being a good musician was not enough. So what does assure the path to stardom? Let’s take a look.

Consider This Show – Talent

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Talent – #423

Who could have guessed that there was so much untapped entertainment talent out there in our country?

When you watch early auditions on talent shows like American Idol, you have to wonder what some people were thinking when they decide to try out. How could they possibly believe that the screechy voice or the bellowing screams they emit qualify them as singers? Who told them they sound good? Nasty friends? Kind parents? Wishful thinking?

But once the nincompoops are weeded out, oh my, what a field of talent.

Of course success will involve so much more than simply a good voice. Will they have the stamina to keep up with the demands of stardom? Will they have the right professional guidance to help them choose the right songs, the right auditions, the right looks and quotes and publicity?

Will they avoid the temptations that take so many fine artists down the road to destruction?

Will they manage to keep close, those who love them and treat people fairly? Do they really know what they are getting into when they decide to accept celebrity? Is it worth it?

We cheer them on and wish them well and watch them evolve right before our eyes.

Destined for stardom, tragedy . . . or both.

[Show #423]

Gifts from the Heart

It was the early 1800s and a young couple newly married had lots of love, but very little money. As they face their first Christmas together, he strokes her beautiful, waist length auburn hair and wonders how he can possibly afford a Christmas gift for her that is worthy of all the happiness she has brought him.

As she watches him dress for work, opening his pocket watch to check the time, she is filled with love and wants desperately to show it by getting him a gift for Christmas that he will treasure.

On Christmas eve, he arrives home and she is still hurrying about preparing a special dinner, a scarf covering her head and an apron protecting her dress.

He pulls her to the couch and hands her the gift he chose for her – a beautiful sterling silver hair ornament that he envisioned holding her lovely hair high on her head. She presents her gift to him – a gold watch fob for the pocket watch that he treasures so.

He sheepishly admits he no longer has the watch. He sold it to buy her hair clip. She slowly removes the scarf from her head, revealing short cropped hair. She cut and sold her flowing locks to buy the watch fob.

The physical gifts were now useless to each of them. But the love with which they were acquired will see them through, whatever lies ahead.

May your Christmas be merry and full of love.

[Show #466]

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