Was sitting on the back porch this week in the early morning quiet, one of my favorite ways, and rituals, for starting my day. The sun was just creeping up. The temp was perfect for early-morning. Ahhhhh. Suddenly the roofers began working on a house ‘across the way’….twackata, twackata, Trucks began burping down the highway nearby. Holy…..toledo (cleaned that up!) I thought. All I want is some peace and quiet, and all this noise!
Then, like a tap on the shoulder, I also heard birdsong from a nearby tree. Those birds were simply singing to their hearts’ content. The twackata’s and engine burps did not for one moment stop them from singing their morning song. ‘Lin,’ I said, ‘pay attention.’ Birds, thank you for the re-Minder: I never have to turn my serenity over to the power of perceived disruption. Keep on keepin’ on.
Later that day, I came across the ‘what I’ve leared‘ comments in an old ‘saved’ file. Lin, pay attention. Here is the list, and some philosophical thoughts on “The older we get, the more we learn…” This could have a second label: philosophy of life and how to deal with your’s. It continues to amaze, what one can learn through the years, if we but pay attention. Ya’ think?
Here’s the list from that saved file:
“I learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing “Silent Night”. Age 5
I learned that our dog doesn’t want to eat my broccoli either. Age 7
I learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 9
I learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, my Mom makes me clean it up again. Age 12
I learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. Age 14
I learned that although it’s hard to admit it, I’m secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 15
I learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. Age 24
I learned that brushing my child’s hair is one of life’s great pleasures. Age 26
I learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 30
I learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don’t know how to show it. Age 42
I learned that you can make someone’s day by simply sending them a little note. Age 44
I learned that the greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others. Age 46
I learned that children and grandparents are natural allies. Age 47
I learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. Age 48
I learned that singing “Amazing Grace” can lift my spirits for hours. Age 49
I learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. Age 50
I learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. Age 51
I learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Age 52
I learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. Age 58
I learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage. Age 61
I learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62
I learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64
I learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65
I learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 66
I learned that everyone can use a prayer. Age 72
I learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. Age 82
I learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch – holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. Age 90
I learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 92
What life-view have you learned over the years? Have they remained with you? What are you learning right now? What is your age? I hope you share it with me….and others!
Namaste’