Tag: life lessons

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Finding Joy in the Challenges

This afternoon, I left my office for a routine walk across campus to the elementary building. It was swelteringly hot and humid as I stepped outside, and my mind was crowded thinking about all that I needed to accomplish before the day ended. Passing the cafeteria, I headed down the sidewalk past the fenced-in playground filled with noisy, busy, happy third graders. They were climbing the jungle gym, swinging on the swings, and just having fun. As I typically do, I slowed my pace and smiled inwardly as I watched the students run and play. Just on the other side of the chainlink fence, a little boy stood beneath a tall tree, rubber ball in hand, smiling and intently looking up at the branches overhead. He took a breath, aimed carefully, and threw the ball in the air trying to throw it over the branch above him. He wasn’t successful. The ball hit a higher branch and bounced back over his head. He raced to catch it and chuckled softly as he jogged quickly back to his spot under the tree. Standing all alone and smiling expectantly, he planted his feet, took careful aim, and threw the ball again…..only to fall short once more. This time the ball missed the branch entirely, sailing underneath it and hitting the ground, then rolling further away. Laughing, he ran to pick it up and try once again. I walked on, needing to complete my errand but wishing I could stay longer to watch. When I headed back a few minutes later, I was happy to see this same child still trying to learn how to throw the ball just high enough (but not too high) to navigate successfully through those tree branches. He was still smiling and still working hard to get it right. His face shone with perspiration, enthusiasm, determination, and hope.

As I walked past him again and headed back to my office, I felt inspired by his attitude. He was faithfully working to complete a task – to practice a skill he had not yet mastered – to get better and achieve a goal. It was difficult for him – and yet he was excited. He was expecting to eventually get it right – to master the skill. He didn’t mind the failed attempts. For him, they were an enjoyable part of the process. He didn’t have to learn this task – he wanted to. He was genuinely excited and thoroughly enjoying the effort. Perhaps there is a lesson there for all of us.

Our jobs can be quite hectic at times and the demands can often be great. As we all know, life has many challenges for each of us every single day. What if we faced our tasks with that same attitude? What if we squared our shoulders, planted our feet, took a breath and tried our best – then actually smiled when things didn’t go as we had planned? What if we had the courage to laugh when we missed the mark – running to pick things up and try again? What if we saw each effort as one step closer to perhaps this time getting it right? What if we truly found joy in the process?

Wow! What a great attitude! Thank you, young man. I admire your approach! From now on, I am going to try to copy your example.

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Mismatched Shoes

Mismatched Shoes

This past week, I posted a story on Facebook about a silly mistake I had made – and many of my friends and family quickly began posting their smiles and comments. I had to laugh at myself – it was just so silly!!!

I left home that morning thinking I had done everything correctly. As I headed to my car, I said good morning and visited for a few minutes with my neighbor who was out taking his dog for an early morning walk. Then, I got into my car and headed to work just like every other day. When I got there, I pretty much had to hit the deck running. My morning schedule was crowded, and I stayed very busy. I finally settled into my office about 12:30 and relaxed a bit while I ate lunch peacefully at my desk. It was nice to slow down, quiet my thoughts, and catch my breath. I really enjoyed the break.

After lunch, I headed out to another obligation. As I stood and walked out of my office into the hallway, I suddenly felt like I was limping. I couldn’t imagine what was wrong….until I looked down and saw that I had two completely different shoes on my feet. Well, to be completely honest – they were at least a little bit similar. They were both black! However, one was a heel and one was a flat. I was walking like Chester on Gunsmoke! (For those of you too young to remember Chester – he was a deputy sheriff on the popular television show Gunsmoke – and his character walked with a pronounced limp.)

I had to chuckle at myself. I mean, good grief! How busy was I that I hadn’t even noticed I was wearing two different shoes? It wasn’t only that I had left the house that way – but I had worn them for over half the day without even noticing my mistake??? I shared it with others – hoping to bring smiles and laughter……and I think it did.

It got me to thinking, though, What else did I miss that day? What things do I miss every day? What other mistakes do I make when I think everything is going along okay?

I thought about the many times when I have said things without thinking – things that came out out of my mouth before I thought them through as I should – in other words, when my words were not delivered as I intended. I thought about times when I rushed by friends and colleagues with a quick smile or hello, hurrying past them to get to my next meeting or responsibility instead of taking a quick moment to enjoy their company.

I thought back to something that happened a few years ago. It was my first year in a new career change. The responsibilities of my job were huge – and I was having to learn as I went along. It was an incredibly stressful, hectic year. My Mother stopped by one day to drop off lunch for me at my office. I was glad to see her (I always am!), but I was in a hurry. I had several obligations I had to take care of before my work day ended. Mother could tell I was busy, so she quickly dropped off my lunch, hugged my neck, and left. As I turned to go on with my work, I saw the taillights of Mother’s car as she drove away…….and I thought of how many people I know who do not have the opportunity to see their moms anymore. I thought about how fortunate I am…..and I made up my mind that day to always have time for my Mother any time she is there. If pressing obligations cause me to stay later at the office, so be it. You know what? It’s worked out just fine.

I am going to try to use my silly blunder this past week to (hopefully) make even more positive changes. In the future, I’m going to TRY to move a little slower, to think about what I’m doing a bit more, and most importantly to appreciate each moment of my day as much as possible. By doing so, perhaps I will wear the right shoes next time! More importantly, maybe I will be wiser with my words, my choices, and my priorities. I do so want to enjoy the people and the world around me. Each day is filled with so many amazing blessings – and I want to take the time to appreciate them. I want to remember to focus on and think on GOOD THINGS.