Category: life lessons
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Back to Basics
Writer’s Note, 8.31.2017: I wrote this post a week ago, but held on sharing it. Doing so seemed insensitive in the face of tragedy and devastation due to Hurricane Harvey. But, I’m posting it now, without hesitation. Why? Because, especially in extremely difficult times as this, we really don’t have time to mistreat, dislike or…
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Bees & Buttons
I’ve always been industrious, busy as a bee. As a kid, I could keep myself occupied for hours by creating art using typing paper, tape and crayons. As a teen, I stayed busy with homework, school clubs, music, and church. And none of that changed as a young adult. Yet, I’m not a high-energy person.…
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Hurry Up and Wait
You’re driving long distance to an event—perhaps a business conference or a friend’s graduation—and time is of the essence. You prepared well. You packed up needed items, placed the mail on hold, and hit the road on time. “I’ve got snacks and a full tank of gas. No need to even stop,” you brag to…
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A Matter of Trust
“Mom, my throat hurts.” Recent words from our son. While it’s not earth shattering by a long shot, a sore throat is out of the ordinary for him. He has never, ever complained of having one. I thought, a brand new symptom? Stop the presses. Something’s off. My mom ears perked up 100%. And 2…
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It Ain’t Over
At 86, my dad is playing checkers again – after at least a 65+ year hiatus. My sister and I have never, ever seen Dad play checkers. He was way too busy raising us – cooking, doing the yard work, fixing whatever was broken, serving at church, working as a school principal, making visitors feel…
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All Shook Up
Do you ever wish life only offered lovely sunshine and little birds singing – you know, skipping the blizzards and buzzards of life? I do. But Life chuckles and says, “Blizzards and buzzards show up because easy moments alone won’t help you grow.” And I gotta agree. We can be oh-so stubborn, especially when…
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True Love
My hubby gets me. On Valentine’s Day, he surprised me with a funny greeting card and a heart-shaped box of miniature Kit Kats. No jewelry. No shopping spree. No flowers. And I loved him for it. Why? Because it was the icing on the cake after countless moments he’s helped my dad up and down…
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Got Your Lesson?
Each day after school I’d go home, grab a small snack and hop on my homework. I wanted to get my work done to maximize TV time after dinner. And later at the dinner table, Granny Sykes would ask, “Did you get your lesson?” She was referring to my homework, of course. Granny wanted to…
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A Happy Surprise
Ever notice how life has a funny way of repeating lessons we most need to learn? We think we’ve mastered an annoying habit that’s plagued us for years, that we’re waaaaay down the road on finally conquering it, once and for all. Then life jumps out and yells, “Surprise!” – and the same habit taunts…
