The great thing, if one can, is to stop regarding all the unpleasant things as interruptions of one’s ‘own,’ or ‘real’ life. The truth is of course that what one calls the interruptions are precisely one’s real life — the life God is sending one day by day.
Have you looked at your life and been dissatisfied with something others might shrug off saying “that’s just how things are.” If you want to fight status quo, it’s going to take courage.
Little Rock Nine monument. ©D.L. Ewbank
In September 1957, nine African American students – Minnijean Brown, Elizabeth Eckford, Ernest Green, Thelma Mothershed, Melba Pattillo, Gloria Ray, Terrence Roberts, Jefferson Thomas, and Carlotta Walls – gathered their courage and broke through the invisible barrier to the all-white Little Rock Central High School.
Little Rock Nine monument. ©D.L. Ewbank
Their world-rocking efforts are commemorated in a monument by John Deering that stands looking toward the Arkansas State Capitol.
What barriers would you like to break with courage in your life?
The handyman arrived thirty minutes before he said he would. From my viewpoint, that’s a very good sign. I need a few boards replaced. When you have an older frame home, the routine, at some point, is going to be rot, replace, paint.
Cracked and peeling paint on a house that isn’t mine. ©iStockphoto/jhorrocks
“See that wood,” he said pointing at remaining original boards used ca. 1950 to build my home. I nodded. “It’s better than that wood,” he said pointing to newer boards replaced since I’ve owned the home.
Someone pointing to something older that’s better than something new is music to the ears of a sexy-generian. I clarified the cost again.
“You’ve got the job,” I said.
Maybe it’s because I believe personal stories can change the world. Maybe it’s because I know the parents of one who gave his life for our country. For whatever reason, this post on 10 life lessons from a navy seal keeps coming back to me. Maybe it will stick with you, too!