Regardless of what part of the
planet we call home, we all have much in common. No one chooses where, when, or under what circumstances we’re born. We walk the path we’re given, in the light we’re
given. That’s why it’s never productive to judge others. Some have a brightly lit and easy path, and
others struggle all their life in darkness. Despite my being poor as a church mouse, much of my life has been
marvelously bright and blessed. With
that in mind and for what if anything its worth, I’ll take a moment to leave this
candle, in the hope that it might light somebody’s way.
First of all, set aside a
bright, roomy section of your mind and fill it with all your best
memories. Visit it often and never enter
without first removing your shoes. Keep
it immaculate and it will serve you well. Share it with your Deity, whatever
you perceive him to be.
Sharpen your awareness of the natural
wonders that surround us, and encourage it’s appreciation in others. Be
cognizant of life’s cycles, appreciating each new season in turn, while
realizing fully that despite our best efforts, time is resolute, and with time
each season will pass. Embrace each new season with hope and optimism, while
retaining all that’s best of seasons past.
Do not be drawn into
meaningless, futile, debilitating debates with loud, obnoxious people. Just consider
the source and when possible avoid their venting. Their noise is a noxious
vapor, and repulsed silence is often the appropriate response. I have good
news. Your loudmouth neighbor, your
loudmouth in-law, and the loudmouth in your Sunday school class, all have one
thing in common; they don’t know squat. They’re just noisy. Relax and
ignore them, and don’t encourage their clamor.
Be mindful of your example to others; it’s your most effective
testimony. Value truth and consider the
cost of deceit.
If you’re blessed to live in a
country where you’re afforded the privilege to vote, by all means do so. Cherish
and reverently exercise your right to vote and promote freedom for all people
of the world. Many people have given their lives in order to secure the
freedoms you enjoy today. Honor their sacrifice. Honor your veterans and all those who choose
a life of service. Honor individuality, revere tolerance and exhort all those
who lift up the cause of freedom. Confront ignorance, and be diligent in the
advancement of knowledge. Ignorance and
intolerance are almost inseparable, and despite what some will tell you, neither
one is a virtue.
Positive outcomes are never
achieved through negative actions. Respond to others as you’d have them respond
to you. Be open to affection but wary of unwholesome pleasures. And do not be
deceived. Deceit is ephemeral; lies and indiscretions will eventually come to
light. Every action has a consequence.
When considering any action, before proceeding, think the scenario
through to its logical conclusion. You
can never undo a thoughtless deed, and carelessly sewn seeds produce a ponderous
harvest.
Anything that you are unable to
do in good conscience and moderation, do not do! Eat nutritiously and judiciously, consistently
burning more calories than you consume, until you’ve achieved your ideal
weight, and you will be healthier, more industrious, more prosperous, more
popular, profoundly gratified, and gut wrenchingly contented. It’s what all the ages have striven for.
Celebrate ethnicity; take pride
in your own heritage, but value the traditions of others. Our world’s greatest strength is diversity;
honor diversity and strengthen humanities bond. While I am generally
conservative in my own actions, I am passionately liberal in defense of the
choices of others. Personal choices, that’s what freedom is. Remember always
that you are as good as any and better than none. Be just, merciful, humble,
and be happy.
Most of us pursue happiness
through an all consuming quest to attain one thing that others
will covet. That’s our nature, inherent
in our robes of flesh. We seek
validation through what we have, to justify who we are. That one
thing may be a grandiose house, a pretentious spouse, or all variety of
shiny, superfluous possessions. Failing in this pursuit, our happiness remains
elusive. Even when we’re successful, our satisfaction is generally
fleeting. If your goal is happiness,
make that one thing an
optimistic attitude. Invest in a winning
attitude, and earn dividends with every smile. If you can develop an attitude
that others will admire, success is certain and happiness guaranteed.
Am I happy? Why, I’m happy as a bug on the bow of a
boat! Have you ever watched a
grasshopper at the bow of a boat, when the old steamer is churning along at a
good clip, the hull is pounding the cobalt blue water into a fine spray, and the
shore is sailing by; and that old grasshopper is clinging to the railing for
dear life, his little antennae are trailing in the wind, his molars are all
catching sunlight, his eyes are glazed over and glistening in grateful
satisfaction, and the tobacco juice is streaming from the corners of his mouth
and collecting in his whiskers and his ears?
Now that’s happy! SC
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