Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – January 15, 2004
Profundities
Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – January 15, 2004 – I believe in profundities! They are almost always right. My parents were intelligent, caring people, but when I was a kid I had no recognition of that fact. I used to listen to the things they said and roll my eyes heavenward, as only a kid can.
They were “old” – what could they possibly know? As it turned out – quite a lot. Life has a wonderful way of coming full circle, and I truly appreciate how wise my parents were.
The power of language and the messages contained in words are timeless and cross all cultural boundaries. Life, in and of itself, is not a complicated process. We are born, we grow and live for a time and and then we die. The same life cycle applies to all plant and animal life. Humans, with all of our foibles take the beautiful simplicity of life and make it complicated. As it turns out – the simple things are often the most profound. As a child, the first life lesson my brothers and I learned was ‘The Golden Rule’. Sounds easy doesn’t it?
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
These powerful words, if taken to heart and followed by the leaders of nations around the world would end all the suffering on our planet. Eleven words could change the world! Really think about that for a moment. You and I aren’t world leaders, but we can apply this principle to our own lives and share it with those with whom we interact. Try this for a week – you’ll feel better – your life will be better.
My parents taught us many life lessons through example – by being decent, honest, hard-working, loving and kind people. What follows are some of my favourite, profound thoughts. Those passed on to me by my parents and those I have become fond of over the years. If you think deeply and truthfully about these simple sayings – they can change your life.
There Is Wonder In Every Moment
I have heard these sayings over many years and where known – I have credited the source.
“Unto thine own self be true,
And it follows as the night the day,
That thou cannot then be false to any man”.
… Shakespeare.
Serene, I watch and work and wait,
Nor care for wind, nor tide nor sea,
For what is mine will know my face
And lo, mine own shall come to me.
“Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God” – Bob Pierce, founder of World Vision.
There but for the grace of God … go I.
God promises a safe landing – not a calm passage.
People come into our lives for a season, a reason or a lifetime.
An infinity of forests lies within the dream of a single acorn – (I love this one).
If you correct your mind – the rest of your life will follow – (Laz-tzu).
You lie the loudest when you lie to yourself.
It is never too late to become what you might have been.
True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar … it is understanding that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring – Martin Luther King, Jr.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned – St. Francis.
What is true now was once only imagined – William Blake.
I live in the solitude that is painful in youth but delicious in maturity – Albert Einstein.
Everything changes and ends – everything.
And the saying – by Albert Camus – that saved my life:
“In the midst of winter – I finally found that there was in me – an invincible summer” …
I hope you draw some strength or wisdom from these sayings that have been a part of my life for many years!
