OK, so yesterday I told you about my wonderful encounter with Walter. Well there is more to the story. In fact there is a second story that he shared with me and I am now going to share it with you.
Walter went on to say that he was coming out of church one Sunday and saw a young woman that he had not spoken to before. So, in classic Walter style, he approached the young woman and said:
"Good morning! How are you today?"
The young lady smiled and responded: "I'm fine, how about you?"
Walter responded: "I am having a wonderful day!"
To which the young lady responded: "You know I have been coming to this church for some time now and you are the first person who has taken the time to speak with me."
Walter said he smiled and replied: "And so have many people have you initiated a conversation with."
Walter continued that a "knowing" recognition came over the young lady's face and as they parted ways he noticed that she had approached another couple and had began a conversation.
Sometimes in life we are so busy waiting for someone else to do something that nothing ever happens. If we want to see change in the world or just in our own lives we have to be willing to take the first step to make it happen. Yeah, it can be scary to be the first to initiate something but you have to work through the fear. Who knows you may get to have a highly spiritual experience like I had with Walter.
Thanks Walter for adding such a positive experience to my life!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
A Lesson Learned & Shared
I was trying to come up with something to blog today and just as the universe does all the time, not only the topic but also a great story to go along with it, was dropped right in my lap.
I was doing my grocery shopping at Meijer when while looking over the marinades an older gentleman came up. As he was looking over the Worcestershire sauces he commented that the bottle he was looking at, in the brand name that he wanted, was too large. I pointed out that the bottle next to it was 5 ounces less. He grabbed that bottle, thanked me and said, "My name is Walter. You are a gentleman and scholar and there are not too many of us left."
I introduced myself and then replied, "I always say that chivalry is not dead, just mortally wounded."
Walter laughed and then proceeded to ask, "Did you ever notice that people don't just talk to anyone anymore?" "We do not just talk to complete strangers, why is that?"
I said, "I don't know, I do it all the time."
Walter responded by asking me, "Do you know who Leo Buscaglia is?" "I believe he was a teacher at UCLA or somewhere like that and wrote some books about life."
I answered, "Yes, I know who he is."
Walter then proceeded to tell me a story. He said that he was in New Jersey with his sister, a nephew. who is a priest, and his mother. As they were driving to the beach, his sister started telling him about how Leo Buscaglia said that the world would be such a better place if we simply engaged complete strangers in conversations. Walter's sister said, "Boy isn't that the truth. The world would be such a nicer place if we all just did what Leo said."
Upon arriving at their destination, Walter got out of the car and spotted two 40 something females coming towards them. Walter said that he greeted the ladies enthusiastically with "Good morning ladies. Isn't it a beautiful day?"
The ladies replied back with hellos and said that it was indeed a beautiful day.
All of a sudden Walter's sister piped up and scolded Walter by saying, "Stop making such a fool of yourself."
The ladies retorted that they did not mind him speaking with them at all.
Walter then said to the ladies, "I am so sorry to have interrupted your day but you see I grew up with two sisters and a mother who all talked to me that way."
One of the ladies responded, "Whooo, must have been rough."
As the ladies walked away, Walter and his nephew began to laugh.
Walter stopped the story to explain to me that his sister always called the ones she loved "idiots."
So, Walter said, his sister turns to him and her son and said, "What are you two idiots laughing about?"
Walter stopped laughing and replied to his sister, "What were you just talking about back in the car about the world being a better place if we just engaged strangers in conversation? Isn't that what I just did and you ridiculed me for it?"
Walter said that his sister's jaw dropped and she shook her head in acknowledgment that he was right.
Walter went on to say that it just seems that people know the right thing to do and talk about the right thing to do but just can't seem to find the strength to actually do it.
I thanked Walter for sharing with me today. As he walked away, he turned around and said, "May God bless you!" I replied, "And you too!"
So, did you get the lesson here? It is not enough to just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. Like I always say, I do not care what you call yourself, just love one another. It is not the words that I care about, it is the deeds. So, let's all work on making the world a better place, like Walter, and start engaging complete strangers in conversation. It does not have to be anything more than a greeting and smile. And if conversation with complete strangers is not easy for you, just smile at others. Either way I know you will make some one's day brighter.
Make it a great day!
I was doing my grocery shopping at Meijer when while looking over the marinades an older gentleman came up. As he was looking over the Worcestershire sauces he commented that the bottle he was looking at, in the brand name that he wanted, was too large. I pointed out that the bottle next to it was 5 ounces less. He grabbed that bottle, thanked me and said, "My name is Walter. You are a gentleman and scholar and there are not too many of us left."
I introduced myself and then replied, "I always say that chivalry is not dead, just mortally wounded."
Walter laughed and then proceeded to ask, "Did you ever notice that people don't just talk to anyone anymore?" "We do not just talk to complete strangers, why is that?"
I said, "I don't know, I do it all the time."
Walter responded by asking me, "Do you know who Leo Buscaglia is?" "I believe he was a teacher at UCLA or somewhere like that and wrote some books about life."
I answered, "Yes, I know who he is."
Walter then proceeded to tell me a story. He said that he was in New Jersey with his sister, a nephew. who is a priest, and his mother. As they were driving to the beach, his sister started telling him about how Leo Buscaglia said that the world would be such a better place if we simply engaged complete strangers in conversations. Walter's sister said, "Boy isn't that the truth. The world would be such a nicer place if we all just did what Leo said."
Upon arriving at their destination, Walter got out of the car and spotted two 40 something females coming towards them. Walter said that he greeted the ladies enthusiastically with "Good morning ladies. Isn't it a beautiful day?"
The ladies replied back with hellos and said that it was indeed a beautiful day.
All of a sudden Walter's sister piped up and scolded Walter by saying, "Stop making such a fool of yourself."
The ladies retorted that they did not mind him speaking with them at all.
Walter then said to the ladies, "I am so sorry to have interrupted your day but you see I grew up with two sisters and a mother who all talked to me that way."
One of the ladies responded, "Whooo, must have been rough."
As the ladies walked away, Walter and his nephew began to laugh.
Walter stopped the story to explain to me that his sister always called the ones she loved "idiots."
So, Walter said, his sister turns to him and her son and said, "What are you two idiots laughing about?"
Walter stopped laughing and replied to his sister, "What were you just talking about back in the car about the world being a better place if we just engaged strangers in conversation? Isn't that what I just did and you ridiculed me for it?"
Walter said that his sister's jaw dropped and she shook her head in acknowledgment that he was right.
Walter went on to say that it just seems that people know the right thing to do and talk about the right thing to do but just can't seem to find the strength to actually do it.
I thanked Walter for sharing with me today. As he walked away, he turned around and said, "May God bless you!" I replied, "And you too!"
So, did you get the lesson here? It is not enough to just talk the talk, you have to walk the walk. Like I always say, I do not care what you call yourself, just love one another. It is not the words that I care about, it is the deeds. So, let's all work on making the world a better place, like Walter, and start engaging complete strangers in conversation. It does not have to be anything more than a greeting and smile. And if conversation with complete strangers is not easy for you, just smile at others. Either way I know you will make some one's day brighter.
Make it a great day!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Random Thoughts
From time to time I am just going to post some random thoughts of mine in a effort to affect conscious reflection and thought.
Things such as:
Why is it it seems that those that profess their religion the loudest are often the ones most likely to not even live by the basic tenets of their professed religion?
Why do we waste so much time on things like gay marriage when there are so many other issues that we should concern ourselves with like hunger and homelessness?
Why is the main stream media so focused on the "bad" that happens in society and seems to be is blind to all the "good"?
Why can't we just look at one another as human beings and forget all the rest of the things that separate us from one another?
Why do wonderful shows with redeeming value like Joan of Arcadia get cancelled when others like Wife Swap and Family Guy go on and on?
Why do some parents seem to think that schools and not them are responsible for teaching their children things like manners, respect and morals?
Well that's all for this time. I am sure I will have more in the future. remember I am trying to provoke conscious thought and help to expand minds. It is never my intention to offend anyone but if you are offended by anything I have asked above maybe you need to look inside your own heart and try to figure out why the question offended you in the first place!
Things such as:
Why is it it seems that those that profess their religion the loudest are often the ones most likely to not even live by the basic tenets of their professed religion?
Why do we waste so much time on things like gay marriage when there are so many other issues that we should concern ourselves with like hunger and homelessness?
Why is the main stream media so focused on the "bad" that happens in society and seems to be is blind to all the "good"?
Why can't we just look at one another as human beings and forget all the rest of the things that separate us from one another?
Why do wonderful shows with redeeming value like Joan of Arcadia get cancelled when others like Wife Swap and Family Guy go on and on?
Why do some parents seem to think that schools and not them are responsible for teaching their children things like manners, respect and morals?
Well that's all for this time. I am sure I will have more in the future. remember I am trying to provoke conscious thought and help to expand minds. It is never my intention to offend anyone but if you are offended by anything I have asked above maybe you need to look inside your own heart and try to figure out why the question offended you in the first place!
Friday, July 11, 2008
You're Eighteen
Below is a poem I wrote for my daughter's 18th birthday, which is today. I wanted to share it with you all because I felt that it may help others express how they feel about their kids turning 18. Please share this with anyone you feel may help them during this transitional time in their and their children's lives. Of course if it is for a boy, you will want to change the line about "your wings" ;-). Blessings!
You’re Eighteen!
You’re eighteen but what does that mean?
They say you’re an adult but also a teen.
You feel so grown up it’s like a dream.
But where do you go from here, the future is unseen.
Just yesterday you were told what to do.
Now you have to choose what is right for you.
Life is no longer black & white, there are grey hues too.
And it can seem like there is no more support for you.
But take this advice if you dare.
From your dad who really does care.
Life is a journey filled with responsibility to bear.
But there is fun, love and new adventures everywhere.
So spread your wings my girl of eighteen.
Your future is bright and you create the scenes.
I will always help build your self esteem.
And be there when you fulfill your dreams!
With All My Love, your Daddy, July 11, 2008
Soon to be an Empty Nester.
My daughter turns 18 today and will be heading off to college in the fall. I was asked at her graduation party how I felt and I have to say that then and now I feel excited for both of us. We will both be beginning new journeys. I am ready for her to take that next step in life and I am ready to start living my new life.
Don't get me wrong I will miss her to death and I sometimes cannot believe that 18 years have gone by so fast. However, I know that I have done my best in raising and preparing her for life. Was it perfect? No way. As we all know kids do not come with manuals but she has grown into a wonderful young lady and now it is time for her to fly solo.
Of course I will always be there to give advice when asked, at least I will do my best to only give it when asked. But who am I kidding, I am a Dad so I will more than likely give it quite often even when not asked. What she will have to get used to is me giving advice and no longer telling her what to do. She will have to accept responsibility for all her choices and I will not always be there to help her out if things do not work out. I will have to learn that I cannot always be there to help and I will not always be able to fix things.
I have to say that there is no sadness in this moment, so any any tears I will probably shed will be ones of happiness. My little girl is growing up and there is nothing I can do about it. I have to say that it has been a most interesting ride and one that I will cherish forever. We are both turning the page on new chapters in our lives and I am looking forward to what we write next in the journey book of our lives.
I know that I am indeed a better person for having raised a child and it has taught me a lot about myself and life. Now, I am ready to do my thing and allow her to do hers. I am very proud of my little girl and I know she can do great things with her life, after all she has shown me that by being a father I have already done great things with mine!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Be Thankful
Below is a posting I found on one of my friends' MySpace blogs and I thought it was worth sharing as it is another eloquent way to talk about thankfulness and how it can affect your daily life. I hope you enjoy it.
BE THANKFUL By Author Unknown
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.
BE THANKFUL By Author Unknown
Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn. Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge, because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary, because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things. A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.
Children Learn What They Live
Here is a great poem from Dorothy Law Nolte. It really does sum up what parents desperately need to know about raising children and what we as a society need to know about being a part of the process. As was said in the past it takes a village to raise a child, so we all need to understand the fundamanetal truths in Nolte's poem below.
Children Learn What They Live
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerence, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world!
-Dorothy Law Nolte
Children Learn What They Live
If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerence, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world!
-Dorothy Law Nolte
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
