I remember days of playing baseball (poorly perhaps) as a young boy. I remember laughing as I fell into a small creek - which was too big to jump across. I remember when having breakfast for supper was just so darn fun. I remember wondering why my childhood was so tough. I remember when the most worries I had was whether she was going to mark YES or NO on the paper I sent her that asked (ok begged) the question: Do You Love Me? I remember driving my first car. I remember my first fight. I remember my first love. I remember my first brush with death. I remember the heartbreak of love lost. I remember hearing about God and Jesus. I remember my first paycheck. I remember my first bank account. I remember my first tax return. I remember my first date with my wife. I remember the first time I held an M-16. I remember the introduction of Chicken McNuggets and actually cooking the first batch. I remember leisure suits , silk shirts and simply Stayin' Alive. I remember college and grad school - and how easy both actually were. I remember my little brother being a pest and how now I do not know anyone who is a better friend. I remember playing football in the yard and dreaming about being a star (and knowing I would not be). I remember being a high school drum major. I remember the days of consulting billable hour sales and travel. I remember the day I accepted my current job - one of my better decisions. I remember running track and realizing I had "game". I remember the day I married (and the 27 years since) a woman who owes me nothing but honors me with her mere presence. I remember the birth of my two girls and the indescribable excitement of those 2 days (and the many tired days since - as a parent you understand). Yes, I remember all of that and a whole lot more. What I don't remember is when the people I used to know left who they were to become who they are : Intolerant at times, worried about what others get - instead of what they have, complainers on issues of which they have never even attempted to understand and unwilling to concede that everyone they berate is a human - is some one's child and not a machine.
Perhaps, I live in a time out of touch with the rank and file. Perhaps, I live in a place where I see people as people - with all the issues of life - but take each as an individual - not as a collective. I rarely generalize - in fact one of the best parts of my day is during a conservative - liberal debate with a guy @ work. This guy actually is an owner of my Company, yet I never back down and he would not have it any other way. What makes it work for us - is the respect we have for each other - it is NEVER personal. While I do believe I am right in my beliefs, I am tolerant of others' beliefs (however misguided they may be :) ) As I was thinking about what I would write this week - this topic was not it. I was going to talk about my belief in humanity - and how it has always been there. I believe in good works - I believe they will get you to heaven. For some of you, I just committed blasphemy and your comment will be about how wrong I am. You will tell me that you will pray for my soul and hope I change. You will find scripture that supports your claim. I could find scripture that supports mine- but you are set in your beliefs - so why?. Is that who we are now? To those who feel this way - I am sorry - you don't get it and you don't get me. However, I remember what a wise man once told me - "Never discuss politics, religion, money or sex. Of course you won't have any fun, friends or enemies, but you will get a lot of solitaire played" So, I have a little fun (ok a lot of fun) everyday. Every day is an adventure in the world of words for me. Speaking of that - I hope you enjoy this video I posted below...this will either excite you or anger you - but in the words of Manford Man's Earth Band " BUT MAMA, THAT's WHERE THE FUN IS" So I guess I still remember that song, that mantra, and that's just my life. SO.... for another week - there goes my thoughts from almost 50 years - Life and eternity is most likely not fear or respect ---- and love is not just a feeling - both are about doing and remembering good - right here - right now...before it is too late.....
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