In my last posting I made a glib remark about ‘The game of life.’ Even as I wrote it, I thought, ‘that’s not right,’ and so I made a parenthetical correction. But there are some truths about games or athletic contests or our academic record, or driving record, credit ratings, etc., that don’t easily go away. They become part of our life story, our permanent record.
There is a permanent record; it lives on in the memories of all the people we have interacted with in a significant way. It may even be on others’ computer files or on photographs taken on inauspicious occasions. It may be etched on our countenance. It lives on in our own perception of ourselves, coloring and flavoring who we become, what we expect to be able to accomplish and how we live our lives. Our future is, in large part, in our past.
Unfortunately, some people have so much waste in their past that it almost washes away their future. Many have found that if one day they decide they no longer want to be the person they have become, or live the life they are living, it is no easy task to stop all that accumulated momentum.
But it is possible to transform a rended past into a mended future. I used to say to my children that ‘It is better to prepare and prevent than to repair and repent.’ I still believe that, but still it is good to repair and repent. Indeed it is possible, in religious vernacular, to be ‘born again.’ ‘Repentance,’ though a religious term, originally meant to channel, to turn from something and to turn to something else. It is still a viable principle.
Thankfully, redemption is possible but it cannot be accomplished alone, by one’s own willpower alone. Until a person admits that he/she is powerless to make the permanent transformation on his own power, and then submits to and accepts the help that can be had, it will stay on the permanent record.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Rewards and Honors
I went to my storage shed the other day and came upon a box of old trophies I had won. Frankly I had forgotten about them and hadn’t missed them at all.
But seeing them again caused me to reflect. Although the objects themselves are not important to me now, they had meant something to me at the time and they represent something important that has remained and is now integrated into my life. These trophies, plaques, certificates, etc., were a visual representation of some potential I had that had just begun to come to fruition.
The lasting achievement was in the doing that lead up to and continued beyond the receiving of the honor. The Cub Scout patches and Boy Scout merit badges and various sports trophies and academic certificates did represent hard work, but it wasn’t just the work that I had done. Although my name is on the object, the names of my den and troop leaders, my parents, my coaches and teachers, my teammates, my Church leaders and even historic role models whom I had never met should be on there. WE DID accomplish some things together.
These awards and honors, if we keep them—and we can keep them with a measured amount of pride tempered with appreciation to others as suggested above—can be a challenge and a reminder of something that can be done in the future. These can be and should be symbols or predictors for our future. We should not just live in the past, or think that there is no future for as Yogi Berra wisely said, “it’s not over until it’s over.” Eternal progress is an Eternal principle; we pay a price and can enjoy the reward. Our old laurels should be a springboard for us to achieve great things in perhaps some entirely new arena. Boing….
But seeing them again caused me to reflect. Although the objects themselves are not important to me now, they had meant something to me at the time and they represent something important that has remained and is now integrated into my life. These trophies, plaques, certificates, etc., were a visual representation of some potential I had that had just begun to come to fruition.
The lasting achievement was in the doing that lead up to and continued beyond the receiving of the honor. The Cub Scout patches and Boy Scout merit badges and various sports trophies and academic certificates did represent hard work, but it wasn’t just the work that I had done. Although my name is on the object, the names of my den and troop leaders, my parents, my coaches and teachers, my teammates, my Church leaders and even historic role models whom I had never met should be on there. WE DID accomplish some things together.
These awards and honors, if we keep them—and we can keep them with a measured amount of pride tempered with appreciation to others as suggested above—can be a challenge and a reminder of something that can be done in the future. These can be and should be symbols or predictors for our future. We should not just live in the past, or think that there is no future for as Yogi Berra wisely said, “it’s not over until it’s over.” Eternal progress is an Eternal principle; we pay a price and can enjoy the reward. Our old laurels should be a springboard for us to achieve great things in perhaps some entirely new arena. Boing….
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Direction
I am a golfer. Golf is a great game because it is so much like life. And life is the greatest game of all. (Actually life is not a game; it is serious business, but the phrase sounds good and it is a satisfactory metaphor.)
Now, a few things about these ‘games’: Any good golfer knows that from tee to green direction trumps distance. This means that keeping the ball in bounds, away from hazards and in position for his/her next shot is more important to achieving a good score than hitting long but erratic drives. Once on the green, however, distance control is generally more determining of a low (good) score than direction. That is, most golfers have less of a problem lining up a putt than hitting it with the correct speed to get it to the hole but not too far beyond in case he misses his first putt.
These observations, and many others in golf, carry over to living a life successfully. But direction, I believe, is the most important consideration in both endeavors.
Before you can play golf successfully and enjoyably, before you even get on the course, or before you can live a productive and happy life without regret you’ve got to understand a few things. You’ve got to get your bearings on the direction you want to go and make the proper preparations to ensure your success.
Without knowing what you want to accomplish—having a picture in mind, without knowing the rules and etiquette, without knowing what each hole requires and what hazards are along the way, without having a model and a coach to whom you will submit to help you, without developing your skills, without knowing your limitations, without having the right equipment and knowing what it can do for you, without getting to the 1st tee on time, without a period of warm-up, without having the money it takes to even be allowed on the course, in short without planning, developing and practicing you will not find either endeavor to be successful. And success is what it is all about.
It seems like a tall order to tackle either golf or life, but the stout-hearted will find joy in the journey and satisfaction in a round well played. It is well-worth the time involved.
I’ll meet you on the course. Bring your game.
Now, a few things about these ‘games’: Any good golfer knows that from tee to green direction trumps distance. This means that keeping the ball in bounds, away from hazards and in position for his/her next shot is more important to achieving a good score than hitting long but erratic drives. Once on the green, however, distance control is generally more determining of a low (good) score than direction. That is, most golfers have less of a problem lining up a putt than hitting it with the correct speed to get it to the hole but not too far beyond in case he misses his first putt.
These observations, and many others in golf, carry over to living a life successfully. But direction, I believe, is the most important consideration in both endeavors.
Before you can play golf successfully and enjoyably, before you even get on the course, or before you can live a productive and happy life without regret you’ve got to understand a few things. You’ve got to get your bearings on the direction you want to go and make the proper preparations to ensure your success.
Without knowing what you want to accomplish—having a picture in mind, without knowing the rules and etiquette, without knowing what each hole requires and what hazards are along the way, without having a model and a coach to whom you will submit to help you, without developing your skills, without knowing your limitations, without having the right equipment and knowing what it can do for you, without getting to the 1st tee on time, without a period of warm-up, without having the money it takes to even be allowed on the course, in short without planning, developing and practicing you will not find either endeavor to be successful. And success is what it is all about.
It seems like a tall order to tackle either golf or life, but the stout-hearted will find joy in the journey and satisfaction in a round well played. It is well-worth the time involved.
I’ll meet you on the course. Bring your game.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Decorum
As I watched the speech given last week by President Obama at the memorial service for the victims of the Tucson shooting I was struck by the indecorous behavior of many in the audience. The applause and cheering, and even the dress of some, were totally out of place—both for the nature of the occasion and for the man delivering the remarks. I thought the President’s remarks were thoughtful and appropriate, but the response by many was only appropriate for a political gathering by supporters of a candidate or at a pep rally; and I am glad that our President did not encourage or engage in any of that.
It is clear that manners don’t start overnight, but it is also clear that adult people should grow up and realize that certain types of dress, grooming, speech, and actions are appropriate only in clearly defined arenas, and in many social settings they are not ever appropriate. It is not that we need to be ‘stuffy,’ but we do need to be respectful of the position some people hold, the place we are in, the nature of the gathering, and the traditions of where we find ourselves.
It is a simple thing to investigate the history or background of the places we go and the people we engage with and to adjust our appearance and behavior and language accordingly. As a general rule it is always better to be better dressed, more decorous, and use better language than we did as a child. Overdoing it rather than underdoing it, I believe, is a better start and one that can be more easily adjusted downward (i.e., more casually) if the circumstances dictate. It has been my observation that men are bigger offenders, generally, in dress and grooming, and women in sloppy (though thankfully not as vulgar as many mens’) speech.
First impressions and subsequent impressions do matter.
It is clear that manners don’t start overnight, but it is also clear that adult people should grow up and realize that certain types of dress, grooming, speech, and actions are appropriate only in clearly defined arenas, and in many social settings they are not ever appropriate. It is not that we need to be ‘stuffy,’ but we do need to be respectful of the position some people hold, the place we are in, the nature of the gathering, and the traditions of where we find ourselves.
It is a simple thing to investigate the history or background of the places we go and the people we engage with and to adjust our appearance and behavior and language accordingly. As a general rule it is always better to be better dressed, more decorous, and use better language than we did as a child. Overdoing it rather than underdoing it, I believe, is a better start and one that can be more easily adjusted downward (i.e., more casually) if the circumstances dictate. It has been my observation that men are bigger offenders, generally, in dress and grooming, and women in sloppy (though thankfully not as vulgar as many mens’) speech.
First impressions and subsequent impressions do matter.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Haiti--One Year After the Earthquake
One year after the tragedy in Haiti it appears that little has changed for the better. Haiti was a tragedy even before the earthquake and the cholera epidemic now continues to promise even more grief for this sad and beleaguered country.
I would like to tell of my non-experience with the relief effort that has been so valiantly waged there by others for the past twelve months.
Within two days after the earthquake brought down Port-au-Prince a call for relief workers was extended through an online magazine I read (Meridian Magazine.com). A hastily organized task force, the Utah Hospital Task Force) put out a call for 150 qualified volunteers to fly to the country to participate in a field hospital project to build a temporary hospital and render aid to trauma victims. By the second day 700 people had volunteered including me. Within two or three more days 150 of us were chosen. We had doctors, nurses, translators, builders, leaders and others whose applications had the qualifications that were needed.
I bought my airline ticket to Salt Lake City, got the necessary immunizations, and with the contributions of family members became equipped with what we were told to bring.
Upon arrival in Salt Lake City we had a meeting two days before our planned departure on a chartered jet. That night, however, we were given the discouraging news that the Haitian government earlier that day diverted the water supply that our group was counting on and that we would have to bring our own water to supply our needs until a reliable and adequate source could be had. Water, as you know, is heavy, and we would have to jettison several thousand pounds of payload to make weight so the aircraft could be cleared for flight. After everybody and everything we needed was weighed, along with the medical and construction supplies, and we sacrificed everything we could, including our own clothing, items for the children, etc., but we found we still could not make weight. Our leaders asked for ideas. It was then that a little short of a dozen of us volunteered to stay behind. I was among those who stayed. We felt that our skills or potential contribution might not be as great as others who we felt must go on the mission. With our body weight and personal items and the camera crew and their equipment subtracted from the total the plane made weight and flew with 138 volunteers.
Why I bring this up is to relate what it taught me about me.
When my wife and I read the call that went out just a few hours before we both felt an immediate and powerful spiritual mandate that we should respond to that call. Cheryl, though 100% willing and desirous to go herself, felt that my skills and background would better meet the qualifications of what they were looking for and that I might get chosen. We submitted this to God in prayer and received an answer that was clear and confirmatory. I applied immediately. Within a day or two I received an email that I was chosen.
When I later volunteered to stay behind, as hard as that was, that decision, too, was spiritually confirmed and the feeling was strong that the Lord accepted of my willingness to help and that I had passed this important life test.
Here is the point. We all, I believe, are placed in a position or given a test or tests, challenges or opportunities, sometime in our life that is life-changing and/or character-defining. Moreover, I believe that to be about ‘our Father’s business,’ which is to bless his other children, we should be willing with a life-time of preparation behind us to respond to the call to serve however and whenever it might come.
What a blessing this was for me, even if I did not do one physical thing at that time to help these poor people. These people are still strongly on my heart and in my prayers. I would encourage you to read in the current issue of Meridian Magazine about the life-changing experience of one who did actually go. It is inspiring.
‘Called to serve’—an important concept. ‘Lord, here I am. Send me’—an important response. I hope I am and you are up to the only acceptable response if and when ‘the call,’ our call, comes again. Though it will be perhaps of a different kind and in a different place and custom-made to test our mettle, I’m sure we will all get one. Let’s be prepared, come what may.
I would like to tell of my non-experience with the relief effort that has been so valiantly waged there by others for the past twelve months.
Within two days after the earthquake brought down Port-au-Prince a call for relief workers was extended through an online magazine I read (Meridian Magazine.com). A hastily organized task force, the Utah Hospital Task Force) put out a call for 150 qualified volunteers to fly to the country to participate in a field hospital project to build a temporary hospital and render aid to trauma victims. By the second day 700 people had volunteered including me. Within two or three more days 150 of us were chosen. We had doctors, nurses, translators, builders, leaders and others whose applications had the qualifications that were needed.
I bought my airline ticket to Salt Lake City, got the necessary immunizations, and with the contributions of family members became equipped with what we were told to bring.
Upon arrival in Salt Lake City we had a meeting two days before our planned departure on a chartered jet. That night, however, we were given the discouraging news that the Haitian government earlier that day diverted the water supply that our group was counting on and that we would have to bring our own water to supply our needs until a reliable and adequate source could be had. Water, as you know, is heavy, and we would have to jettison several thousand pounds of payload to make weight so the aircraft could be cleared for flight. After everybody and everything we needed was weighed, along with the medical and construction supplies, and we sacrificed everything we could, including our own clothing, items for the children, etc., but we found we still could not make weight. Our leaders asked for ideas. It was then that a little short of a dozen of us volunteered to stay behind. I was among those who stayed. We felt that our skills or potential contribution might not be as great as others who we felt must go on the mission. With our body weight and personal items and the camera crew and their equipment subtracted from the total the plane made weight and flew with 138 volunteers.
Why I bring this up is to relate what it taught me about me.
When my wife and I read the call that went out just a few hours before we both felt an immediate and powerful spiritual mandate that we should respond to that call. Cheryl, though 100% willing and desirous to go herself, felt that my skills and background would better meet the qualifications of what they were looking for and that I might get chosen. We submitted this to God in prayer and received an answer that was clear and confirmatory. I applied immediately. Within a day or two I received an email that I was chosen.
When I later volunteered to stay behind, as hard as that was, that decision, too, was spiritually confirmed and the feeling was strong that the Lord accepted of my willingness to help and that I had passed this important life test.
Here is the point. We all, I believe, are placed in a position or given a test or tests, challenges or opportunities, sometime in our life that is life-changing and/or character-defining. Moreover, I believe that to be about ‘our Father’s business,’ which is to bless his other children, we should be willing with a life-time of preparation behind us to respond to the call to serve however and whenever it might come.
What a blessing this was for me, even if I did not do one physical thing at that time to help these poor people. These people are still strongly on my heart and in my prayers. I would encourage you to read in the current issue of Meridian Magazine about the life-changing experience of one who did actually go. It is inspiring.
‘Called to serve’—an important concept. ‘Lord, here I am. Send me’—an important response. I hope I am and you are up to the only acceptable response if and when ‘the call,’ our call, comes again. Though it will be perhaps of a different kind and in a different place and custom-made to test our mettle, I’m sure we will all get one. Let’s be prepared, come what may.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Advice and Marriage Advice (a two part dose)
I recently read something that went something like this: ‘Those who will take advice probably don’t need it; those who need advice probably won’t take it.’ I totally agree with the last seven words of that couplet; I take some issue with the first nine words. I think we all need advice from time to time; it may be a new insight for us or it may be an important reminder of something we have forgotten or neglected, but another view certainly won’t hurt us if we are properly grounded. Again, as for the first part of the above saying, another saying comes to mind: ‘Ignorance of one’s own ignorance is the malady of the ignorant.’
One other thought along these lines: We all, every one of us, has at least one blind spot that we aren’t aware of or don’t give adequate attention to. Others can often see it, and if we aren’t too thin-skinned having it pointed out to us we might greatly benefit from advice given regarding it. Every coach knows this. But every coach also knows that some people are uncoachable, and when the performer has great potential but does not think he or she can be helped it is always a sad day for that coach—and ultimately even sadder for the person who ends up underachieving or never achieving.
Now, some marriage advice from one who has had three happy marriages. When I was a Church leader counseling people who were engaged or contemplating marriage I gave a slightly more religious version of what follows. Take it for what it is worth to you—whether you are married and wish it turned out better (it still can, hence the advice) or unmarried and are committed to having it turn out great (hence the advice).
--Remember that your companion comes first—not you; not your job; not your hobbies; not your Church calling; not your friends; not even your children or your birth family. Only your relationship to your God takes precedence; all the others have their proper place.
--Be totally loyal to your companion. You have made a commitment to them; never cause them to doubt or violate their trust. Stay worthy of his/her love.
--Try to do nice things for your companion as often as possible. Find out what they like and try to please them. Surprise him/her with what you know they like.
--Make a strong religious life together—not just on your formal day of worship.
--Never spend a sizable amount of money without first discussing it with your partner. Then, be in agreement or don’t spend the money.
--Help (willingly) with what some might call role-related tasks such as housework, meals, business tasks, etc. Always ask, “What can I do to make life easier for my partner?” Anticipate what needs doing, and then help however you can.
--Do not make critical, sarcastic, cutting, or hurtful remarks. Never try to “get back” or “get even” even if you are convinced you are right. If you do you have become the one in the wrong. Keep your voice low. Tread gently on their heart.
--Don’t be lazy or sloppy. Clean up your own messes.
--Always be clean and well groomed in the presence of your spouse. Make him/her proud of how you look. Don’t let down physically.
--Back off and give your partner space if he/she is having a bad day. We all have a bad day occasionally. Be especially supportive on these days.
--Be interesting. Learn new things and share them with your companion. Read together, work together and play together. Have hobbies and interests together; but allow independent interests as long as they do not pull you apart.
--Talk to each other and listen, really listen, with ears, eyes and heart. Your undivided attention is critical; don’t multi-task when they are talking to you. Always be there for each other when they need you.
--Don’t do or say things or ask that which is offensive to your companion. Be sensitive. This is especially important in sexual intimacy.
--Be respectful of your companion’s heritage, family, and background.
--Be tolerant. Be patient. Realize that you are not perfect either. Try to be “one.” Unity in marriage is far more important than diversity.
--Forgive easily. Forgive totally. And forgive instantly. Then forget.
--Don’t sweat the small stuff. What is a big deal one day is often laughable the next day. Let things cool off before you deal with them. Give it time.
--Be cheerful and pleasant. This is more important than you may suppose.
--Keep the romance in your marriage. Passion and tenderness is a wonderful mix! Brew up the mix often.
One other thought along these lines: We all, every one of us, has at least one blind spot that we aren’t aware of or don’t give adequate attention to. Others can often see it, and if we aren’t too thin-skinned having it pointed out to us we might greatly benefit from advice given regarding it. Every coach knows this. But every coach also knows that some people are uncoachable, and when the performer has great potential but does not think he or she can be helped it is always a sad day for that coach—and ultimately even sadder for the person who ends up underachieving or never achieving.
Now, some marriage advice from one who has had three happy marriages. When I was a Church leader counseling people who were engaged or contemplating marriage I gave a slightly more religious version of what follows. Take it for what it is worth to you—whether you are married and wish it turned out better (it still can, hence the advice) or unmarried and are committed to having it turn out great (hence the advice).
--Remember that your companion comes first—not you; not your job; not your hobbies; not your Church calling; not your friends; not even your children or your birth family. Only your relationship to your God takes precedence; all the others have their proper place.
--Be totally loyal to your companion. You have made a commitment to them; never cause them to doubt or violate their trust. Stay worthy of his/her love.
--Try to do nice things for your companion as often as possible. Find out what they like and try to please them. Surprise him/her with what you know they like.
--Make a strong religious life together—not just on your formal day of worship.
--Never spend a sizable amount of money without first discussing it with your partner. Then, be in agreement or don’t spend the money.
--Help (willingly) with what some might call role-related tasks such as housework, meals, business tasks, etc. Always ask, “What can I do to make life easier for my partner?” Anticipate what needs doing, and then help however you can.
--Do not make critical, sarcastic, cutting, or hurtful remarks. Never try to “get back” or “get even” even if you are convinced you are right. If you do you have become the one in the wrong. Keep your voice low. Tread gently on their heart.
--Don’t be lazy or sloppy. Clean up your own messes.
--Always be clean and well groomed in the presence of your spouse. Make him/her proud of how you look. Don’t let down physically.
--Back off and give your partner space if he/she is having a bad day. We all have a bad day occasionally. Be especially supportive on these days.
--Be interesting. Learn new things and share them with your companion. Read together, work together and play together. Have hobbies and interests together; but allow independent interests as long as they do not pull you apart.
--Talk to each other and listen, really listen, with ears, eyes and heart. Your undivided attention is critical; don’t multi-task when they are talking to you. Always be there for each other when they need you.
--Don’t do or say things or ask that which is offensive to your companion. Be sensitive. This is especially important in sexual intimacy.
--Be respectful of your companion’s heritage, family, and background.
--Be tolerant. Be patient. Realize that you are not perfect either. Try to be “one.” Unity in marriage is far more important than diversity.
--Forgive easily. Forgive totally. And forgive instantly. Then forget.
--Don’t sweat the small stuff. What is a big deal one day is often laughable the next day. Let things cool off before you deal with them. Give it time.
--Be cheerful and pleasant. This is more important than you may suppose.
--Keep the romance in your marriage. Passion and tenderness is a wonderful mix! Brew up the mix often.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Our Differences
Just as it is obvious that in looking at photographs of any one hundred people or observing any group of passers-by, we are, every one of us, different in external appearance (anatomically and in our choices of clothing and grooming), so too is it obvious that in hearing others that we are different in mental and emotional and spiritual qualities and characteristics; all we have to do is open our mouths and much is revealed. These external appearances and verbal disclosures suggest to me that we are influenced by something (or some things) that has/have had an attractive influence upon us. I would like to address the latter observation (differences in mental, emotional, and spiritual qualities) just briefly today.
Every parent of more than one child—from Adam and Eve on—becomes quickly aware that the personality of each of his or her children comes with ‘the package.’ It can be molded with more or less success, but it has a core quality that gives it its uniqueness that endures. So, where did that core quality come from? Was it developed or was it bequeathed upon the infant?
Consistent with my observation in the sub-title of Omnium-Gatherum, I believe we were influenced greatly before we were ever given to our parents to nurture us to maturity. The poet Walt Whitman wrote, “Before I was born out of my mother, generations guided me” (‘From Song of Myself,’ Masterpieces of Religious Verse). This is more than what psychologists call a ‘racial’ or ‘collective unconsciousness,’ it points to an individual consciousness or preparation in a pre-mortal state.
As much as we would like to take credit for their development, parents or teachers can’t take complete credit (or blame) for the way our children turn out. Neither can we completely credit or blame the schools, our children’s peers, our socio-economic circumstances, or the opportunities our children enjoy or are deprived of. I am currently reading two books, one about B. H. Roberts, and one about Abraham Lincoln that bears this out to the tee.
I believe that in spite of nurturing or indifferent parentage or environment, some individuals arise that are truly virtuous and great and the strength of their intelligence and nobility cannot be suppressed. They are the noble and great ones, endowed, I believe from the choices and gifts developed in their spirit’s pre-mortality that we encounter from time to time who enrich our lives with their accomplishments and example.
Just as a magnet attracts the steel placed near it, so too can these ‘giants’ attract our lives if we don’t place a shield of lead between us and them. Let us open the great books, illustrated with great lives and great ideas and allow ourselves to be influenced by them. If we weren’t influenced sufficiently in our pre-mortal existence, this may be our last chance to make up for our deficiencies.
Every parent of more than one child—from Adam and Eve on—becomes quickly aware that the personality of each of his or her children comes with ‘the package.’ It can be molded with more or less success, but it has a core quality that gives it its uniqueness that endures. So, where did that core quality come from? Was it developed or was it bequeathed upon the infant?
Consistent with my observation in the sub-title of Omnium-Gatherum, I believe we were influenced greatly before we were ever given to our parents to nurture us to maturity. The poet Walt Whitman wrote, “Before I was born out of my mother, generations guided me” (‘From Song of Myself,’ Masterpieces of Religious Verse). This is more than what psychologists call a ‘racial’ or ‘collective unconsciousness,’ it points to an individual consciousness or preparation in a pre-mortal state.
As much as we would like to take credit for their development, parents or teachers can’t take complete credit (or blame) for the way our children turn out. Neither can we completely credit or blame the schools, our children’s peers, our socio-economic circumstances, or the opportunities our children enjoy or are deprived of. I am currently reading two books, one about B. H. Roberts, and one about Abraham Lincoln that bears this out to the tee.
I believe that in spite of nurturing or indifferent parentage or environment, some individuals arise that are truly virtuous and great and the strength of their intelligence and nobility cannot be suppressed. They are the noble and great ones, endowed, I believe from the choices and gifts developed in their spirit’s pre-mortality that we encounter from time to time who enrich our lives with their accomplishments and example.
Just as a magnet attracts the steel placed near it, so too can these ‘giants’ attract our lives if we don’t place a shield of lead between us and them. Let us open the great books, illustrated with great lives and great ideas and allow ourselves to be influenced by them. If we weren’t influenced sufficiently in our pre-mortal existence, this may be our last chance to make up for our deficiencies.
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