The five minute assignment this week is LEARN. Let’s see what we can come up with using the derivative LEARNED. But, don’t forget to visit Kate’s Place (http://katemotaung.com/2015/08/13/five-minute-friday-learn-a-post-retreat-post/) to see how the other talented writers transformed the prompt into posts.
So, here goes. The timer is set. GO …
People often ask why I chose the title of my blog as Wisdom from a Father. I don’t profess to have wisdom … but I have learned a lot over my better than three score years. Here are just some of the lessons learned …
There is something bigger than me. I choose to recognize that force as God, but the lesson is I’m just a bit player on the stage of life. We all have a role. I am not the center of the universe.
Life goes on. Sometimes it doesn’t feel that way, but each day is a new opportunity to grow. There are good days and bad days … good times and bad times. But we all have an allotted time on this earth … and that’s all we get. I’ve learned to enjoy the good and accept the bad and take one step at a time. As they say, sometimes you’re the statue and sometimes you’re the pigeon.
There is nothing that can substitute for family and friends. Not everyone can say that, but I have been blessed with both a loving family and close friends. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
Life is more than work. That was a hard lesson for me to learn. But it has all sunk in. We work for a reason — … STOP
…to keep us going financially. Unfortunately, I know too many people who live for work. They need that corner office, that upper story view. And they miss the flowers in the cracks in the sidewalks, their children growing up, the love of their families. Life is a balance {and admittedly I wasn’t always successful at it}. Work is a necessity. Living life is reality.
We all need time for ourselves. You are not good for anyone else if you’re not okay with yourself. I choose the open road, quiet time on a beach and just soaking in nature as my revival time.
We are all unique. My experiences are not your experiences. My background is not your background. My hopes and dreams are not your hopes and dreams. Respect that difference. Respect each other as unique pilgrims on this same journey. Respect their experiences, backgrounds, hopes and dreams … as much as you want them to respect yours.
Nothing is black or white, but a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and grays.
Well, those are some of the thoughts that wandered into my mind this week. What about you? What have you learned?
THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: The best is yet to come.
The Light 
…about faith, belief, and trusting that God has heard my prayers.
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Amen
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I agree with you about our experiences and needing time to ourselves. I think self-care is super important in this day and age it seems like so many people are just go go go and end up having almost what is a mental breakdown because they are never stopping and just being and relaxing.
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Amen.
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As usual, I so needed to hear your thought to remember this week (thank you). I absolutely loved your post: so full of wisdom. Particularly loved your line, “Nothing is black or white, but a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and grays”. {Your FMF friend}
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Enjoy the color and the BEST is yet to come! Enjoyed your contribution as well.
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Thank you!
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Your words echo mine in so many ways. Thanks for sharing them. I’ve also learned to appreciate the day we have. THIS day. It may be all we have. I’ve learned that pain and disappointment are a part of our lives to help us better see all that is good, all that is right, and all the vivid colors and grays you speak of. Finally, the frailty of human arrogance keeps many people from believing that there is something more, something much bigger. As such, their lives are centered around the emptiness of self. I feel blessed for being able to see life in a grand perspective. Thanks Joe.
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You’re welcome. We’re all walking this journey separately yet together. Glad to consider you a friend.
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