The last half of the title of a book I read many decades ago may give a clue: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I unabashedly hope that some of the things I comment on will influence people for the good; winning friends is not something I’m too worried about.
Someone, maybe Stephen R. Covey, said that we all have an intrinsic need to ‘live, to love, and to leave a legacy.’ Maybe that’s it—I’m worried about leaving a legacy or at least having made a good showing in life or leaving evidence in someone else’s life that I’ve made a difference. I’m always worried about that in my children’s lives; not for me or with a focus on me, but that something I said or did could enrich their lives. That, too, was and is an important goal for me in my teaching-- in my public school teaching, in over forty years of Church teaching, always in the teaching of my family, and for you in Omnium-Gatherum.
An aphorism that has stuck in my mind is:
‘He who would make footprints in the sands of time should wear his work boots.’ (author unremembered)
The work that I am trying to craft here, then, is to express my thoughts in such a way that a residual-- an encouragement, a motivation, perhaps a new direction, or new resolution is left that you will pick up on and that your life will be enriched. I think too many of us are stuck, tracking along in a rut, not making a conscious effort for self-improvement. It is never too late to try again. Maybe you will get something here that will give you a jump start if you need it.
I am reading a book, that I don’t particularly like, about a man (Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, by Walter Isaacson) who did have a desire for self-improvement but the focus always seemed to be on ambitions for himself without a whole lot of regard for others. I hope my view of him changes by the time I get to the end of the book.
But selfishness or self-aggrandizement is not my goal. I think it is a poison for anyone who allows himself or herself to be caught in this kind of self-delusion. I have found that service to others is much more satisfying, and much more becoming. My life has been exceedingly blessed by being on both ends of this thing called service.
So I end today with this thought from the Bible following a nice little speech given by Solomon that I would like you to think about: “ And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart…and I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour….” (1Kings 3:11-13)
That is my wish—for me and for you—at least the part before “riches and honour.” Remember, Solomon didn't ask for these things--neither should we.
4 comments:
My blog is a little more varied than yours because I post recipes, book reviews, movie reviews, essays and family stories plus my paintings. I know that even some of my best friends and children don't read it. I am not sure who really does read it but I have a counter and since Jan. 2007 it shows that 9403 people at least looked. I get very few comments which does disappoint and frustrate me because I do work hard on keeping it interesting. So I will try to comment on your posts since I have you on my blog roll and it tells me when you have something new and I definately want to read your words. Writing things changes us even if it doesn't affect anyone else. I just finished reading Michael Wilcox's book "Fire in the Bones" about William Tyndale. This is the best thing I have read in a long time and it touched me a great deal. I will soon post a review of the book which I am working on now. Writing the review solidified the feelings in my soul and made the book even more important to me as I pulled out my favorite passages. Writing words is a great opportunity that not enough of us take advantage of.
Thanks for your comments, Charmaine. It is true that that which is expressed is impressed. Thanks, also, for the note on M. Wilcox's book. Learning what has been influential in the lives of achievers is something I value.
Awesome! I am teaching about Solomon in Gospel Doctrine tomorrow. The Scripture in Kings is part of the lesson. You have been a real influence in my life. Even though our time spent together was brief. The service that you and your sweet wife rendered to Kel and Ari will never be forgotten. I am forever grateful!
Don't get offended, but you do believe in laughing, right? i think i'm a little too light on subjects, sometimes. So my comments might be to amuse you. Oh, and i do love your comments,and thoughts on everything. i love to laugh, though, and hope you do too.
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