Iris Flower

Never Judge a Living Thing By Its Outward Appearance

Last fall, my wife Marcia was planting flower bulbs of numerous varieties in hopes of getting some beautiful blooms during the following spring. Toward the end of her planting, she came across a gladiolus bulb at the bottom of her bulb box that looked like it had seen better days—it was all dried up and looked like it wanted to be put out of its misery.

Listening to Each Other

We Need to Spend More Time Listening to Each Other

Many of us are very busy–so much so, that we don’t want to take the time to let those people in our lives share their stories with us. The problem with this is that all of us need opportunities to share our stories–our joys, problems, and sorrows–with someone who cares. Being able to share our stories is what helps to keep us on an even keel emotionally.

Risk

Taking Risks Makes Life Fun and Exciting

Actor Denzel Washington once said in a commencement address, “I’ve found that nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks. Nothing. Nelson Mandela said, ‘There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that’s less than what your capable of living.’”

Looking Back

Living in the Past Keeps Us From Enjoying the Present

Over the years, I have observed that there are a fair number of people who are trying to live in the past. They regularly post videos on social media featuring musical groups and recording artists from “their era” and they talk about going to dances featuring bands and music from the “good old days.” In…

Giving

A Happy Life is About Giving

Over the years, I’ve had several people tell me that life is a game of “give and take.” While that phrase may sound logical, it’s simply not true. Instead, life is about giving and receiving. The reason is that none of us like “takers.” Takers are all about themselves and they’re out to exploit others,…