5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts...
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at ahospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz whowas suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness.
The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, 'Yes I'll do it if it will save her.'
As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, 'Will I start to die right away'.
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her; but he had chosen to save her anyway.
A note of observation from me:
Would I be willing to give so much of myself for my family/friend? I don't know, and I can't say with honesty until I am faced with the situation; but I pray I would give it serious consideration and not be so selfish as to say an outright no before thinking and praying it over. That is a really hard thing to do, and this 5 year old had so much love and compassion for another. I would have loved to know the rest of the story, and to know what kind of a man be grew to be. His parents also deserve credit for raising such a boy as he. That is a credit to the whole family.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Important Lesson #4
4 - Fourth Important Lesson. - The obstacle in Our Path
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
A note of observation from me:
In the movie series based on the books from Janet Oke, Love Comes Softly; the lead actor shares this observation.
"Nothing that adds to the person you are is a waste of time."
So everything we do, any thing or person that crosses our path, that adds even the smallest experience or bit of knowledge to who we are, is worth our time. Take time to read, talk, listen, or help out. It will add to the person you are.
In our lifetime we never stop learning or growing, so learn as much as you can, and grow in ways you never imagined you could. Enjoy your day, and may God richly bless you!
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
A note of observation from me:
In the movie series based on the books from Janet Oke, Love Comes Softly; the lead actor shares this observation.
"Nothing that adds to the person you are is a waste of time."
So everything we do, any thing or person that crosses our path, that adds even the smallest experience or bit of knowledge to who we are, is worth our time. Take time to read, talk, listen, or help out. It will add to the person you are.
In our lifetime we never stop learning or growing, so learn as much as you can, and grow in ways you never imagined you could. Enjoy your day, and may God richly bless you!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Important Lesson #3
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.
'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked.
'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.
'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired.
By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. 'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins.
'I'll have the plain ice cream,' he said.
The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table.
There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
A little note of observation from me:
We should never assume that we know what someone is thinking. This more often gets us in trouble, and is most likely incorrect; because we will not be able to think the same thoughts as the next guy unless we have spent our live walking in his/her shoes. Even then the outcome would have been different because we are all like snowflakes, no two alike.
On the other point, do take time to thank those who do you a service. Even if they are getting paid to do it, make their day and show them appreciation. Whether the postman/woman, the clerk in the store, or wherever you are. If someone is waiting on you ... smile and say 'thank you'! I can tell you, from experience, it cand make a difference in their day
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.
'How much is an ice cream sundae?' he asked.
'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.
'Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?' he inquired.
By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. 'Thirty-five cents,' she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins.
'I'll have the plain ice cream,' he said.
The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table.
There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
A little note of observation from me:
We should never assume that we know what someone is thinking. This more often gets us in trouble, and is most likely incorrect; because we will not be able to think the same thoughts as the next guy unless we have spent our live walking in his/her shoes. Even then the outcome would have been different because we are all like snowflakes, no two alike.
On the other point, do take time to thank those who do you a service. Even if they are getting paid to do it, make their day and show them appreciation. Whether the postman/woman, the clerk in the store, or wherever you are. If someone is waiting on you ... smile and say 'thank you'! I can tell you, from experience, it cand make a difference in their day
Friday, May 28, 2010
Important Lesson #2
2. - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11:3 0 p..m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: 'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.
Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others. '
Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
A little note of observation from me:
It didn't matter who the lady was, and in our times judgement must be used; but that doesn't stop us from helping out in unusual circumstances. You never know who that person may or may not be; but it was obvious it was even risky then. We have the electronic means to help others, and we have the ability to make a difference when someone is in need. Use common sense, especially if you are alone; but also use good sense.
One night, at 11:3 0 p..m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 60s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read: 'Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.
Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others. '
Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
A little note of observation from me:
It didn't matter who the lady was, and in our times judgement must be used; but that doesn't stop us from helping out in unusual circumstances. You never know who that person may or may not be; but it was obvious it was even risky then. We have the electronic means to help others, and we have the ability to make a difference when someone is in need. Use common sense, especially if you are alone; but also use good sense.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Important Lessons #1
These are from an e-mail that is going around; but it is one that has 5 very good ways of making a difference, so I am going to share them over the next 5 days.
1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: 'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?' Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. 'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello. 'I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
A little note of observation from me:
What a grande example of the importance of eveyone who crosses our paths. Whether it be the cleaning lady, the post office worker, or the clerk in the convenience store. ALL are SIGNIFICANT
1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady. During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: 'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?' Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. 'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello. 'I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
A little note of observation from me:
What a grande example of the importance of eveyone who crosses our paths. Whether it be the cleaning lady, the post office worker, or the clerk in the convenience store. ALL are SIGNIFICANT
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Space 05/26/2010
There will be times when you really miss someone, and you want to be able to chat or spend time; but that special someone has things that must be done.
Know in your heart, if they are truly special, that they want to visit with you also; but out of that same specialness give them the space they may need. It is very damaging to lay guilt on them for not taking time for you.
Step back, let your special person (family or friend) have the time they need. When you do get together, the quality of the time will be so much better.....for both (all) of you.
Either way can make a difference in your relationship, but this way is for the good.
Know in your heart, if they are truly special, that they want to visit with you also; but out of that same specialness give them the space they may need. It is very damaging to lay guilt on them for not taking time for you.
Step back, let your special person (family or friend) have the time they need. When you do get together, the quality of the time will be so much better.....for both (all) of you.
Either way can make a difference in your relationship, but this way is for the good.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Family & Friends, May 25, 2010
It is so easy to see the negative in those closest to us.
Each day look for something special in them, then share it with them. Do it in a way that is different... put a sticky note on the dashboard or bathroom mirror; leave a text message on their phone; an e-mail; or just simply drop a word of encouragement or little bit of happy wisdom in the mailbox, wouldn't it be grande to receive something in the mail that didn't say 'bill'?
(of course if your name is Bill, then it will still say 'bill'; but it won't ask for money LOL)
Each day look for something special in them, then share it with them. Do it in a way that is different... put a sticky note on the dashboard or bathroom mirror; leave a text message on their phone; an e-mail; or just simply drop a word of encouragement or little bit of happy wisdom in the mailbox, wouldn't it be grande to receive something in the mail that didn't say 'bill'?
(of course if your name is Bill, then it will still say 'bill'; but it won't ask for money LOL)
Monday, May 24, 2010
How to start May 24, 2010
Making a difference can be done by something as innocent as a smile or as simple as a kind word.
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