Thursday, August 26, 2010

Lessons I've learned from my parents & grand-parents (2007)

Treasure people because you don't know how long they'll be in your lives.
  • Live life to your fullest; give your best with everything you do. You only have one life to live.

  • Give every person a chance. Don't judge people by how they initially appear to look or sound. Let their words and actions be their own judge.

  • While doing a jigsaw puzzle with my grandma: establish the boundaries first and keep referencing the "big picture"

  • Give people the benefit of the doubt; treat them with kindness even when they may not deserve it.

  • My grandfather: give people second chances even when they've fallen on hard times.

  • While washing dishes with my grandma: i always thought water was really hot, yet she was used to it and it didn’t bother her. I learned everyone is at different levels. Some people can't take the heat, like others can.

  • The small things matter: sitting at the table playing a card game, sitting eating popcorn over a movie, hugs and simple signs of love

  • Education is important: always keep learning; the minute you stop is the minute you stop growing as a person.

  • Prayers make a difference when nothing else does.

  • Science fiction is the greatest of all fictional genres =)

  • Proper preparation always beats blind ambitions. As a carpenter, my grandfather would say, Measure it twice, BEFORE you cut.

  • Don't seek revenge on people whom have done you wrong. Revenge is the Lords; it will always come full circle. Either God will restore back unto you or His revenge will be greater than you could have ever done.

  • Give those older than you respect; God would do the same and someday you'll be there too.

  • Music soothes both the mind and soul. It can speak the language of the heart.

  • Sacrifice of yourself for both God and man. God is pleased and will always provide for your needs.

  • My Dad: Defer to others. Some things may have been done better another way, but you will find unity. Unity is to be treasured.

  • Pray about it. If you already know the answer, pray about it. If you don't, pray about it. (I need to do that more)

  • Give God your best; He gave you His. It is your reasonable service.

  • Seek to make your enemies friends. Go out of your way to find a point that you can agree on.

  • Stay in the Word. It has all the answers that we'll ever need. Love it and know it.

  • Time spent with family is more important than working for more money for the family.

  • Watch people, listen to people, learn from people. Everyone can teach you something. Some things good, some bad.

  • Dinner time sitting around the table is important, perhaps the most important time of the day. Everyone gets a chance to share what happened that day.

  • Be the kind of friend to others that you'd want for yourself. There are times when you give in a friendship more than you receive.

  • Watch how people handle themselves around children, it can tell alot about their internal character.

  • Surprise another by taking out the trash without being asked or putting dishes in the dishwasher. Little helps are appreciated, especially during long weeks.

  • Be willing to give to someone in need, whether it be food, a place to stay or an encouraging word. Christ said, When you've done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me.

  • Building people's lives is more important than building material wealth. Invest in people; someone invested in you.

  • Learn to enjoy reading. It can take you to places that you may never be able to go to in real-life. It also builds and strengthens the mind.

  • Be willing to listen to people share their life experiences. You get the opportunity to share in their hurts/pains and rejoice in their victories. You can also learn from their mistakes, as to avoid them yourself. Listening to someone shows you care.

  • Be willing to apologize if you were wrong and be willing to thank people when they're deserving of thanks. Good etiquette never goes out of style.

  • Be sure to do things together as a family. There will eventually come a time when you will no longer be able to do so. Go out driving on Saturdays (if you can afford the high gas prices), stop by Dairy Queen for small ice cream cones on a hot day, take a vacation together (even if but just camping)

  • Take the time to carefully roast marshmallows over a campfire and give them to a family member you love. Or if you're a child, burn a marshmallow and give it to a family member you love. Everyone loves smores.

  • Love God, your family and those around you. They're all you got.

No comments: