OBSERVATIONS OF LIFE AND LIVING

I once knew a man of woe who spent endless hours in the libraries of the world searching out the secrets of life and the pathways to joy and happiness.

I once knew a man of happiness and joy who spent countless hours showing children the simple tasks of how to traverse each day’s rocky road and how they might cope with the problems they would encounter.

Love is best learned by those who love
Charity is best understood by those who give
Life is best enjoyed by those who live

I once knew a man of sullenness who spent the days of his life pontificating about the great opportunities and successes which awaited everyman at every turn of the clock.

I once knew a man of richness who spent the days of his life lifting others, making their lives productive through example and by providing opportunities for progress.

Love is best learned by those who love
Charity is best understood by those who give
Life is best enjoyed by those who live

I once knew a man of boredom who observed life from afar not wishing to contaminate himself through interaction with the evils of his fellowmen.

I once knew a man of exhilaration who spent his life involved with his fellow travelers striving to fulfill his heaven sent stewardship and helping other find theirs.

Love is best learned by those who love
Charity is best understood by those who give
Life is best enjoyed by those who live

I once knew a man in bondage whose heart was wrapped in chains welded by refusal to forgive and who was weighed down by a mountain of imagined never intended offenses envisioned though self-absorbed lenses.

I once knew a man of freedom who went forth with haste to forgive and forget those acts of intended or unintended malice which he knew happened to all imperfect beings struggling through life with fellow unfinished travelers.

Love is best learned by those who love
Charity is best understood by those who give
Life is best enjoyed by those who live

I once knew a cankered man donning the wrinkled countenance brought on by years of sitting on the sidelines pointing out all of the negative moves he saw in those who passed by his moldy bench.

I once knew a joyous man whose countenance had a brightness brought on by overlooking the warts which all bear, who concentrated on the positive aspects of those whom he walked beside.

Love is best learned by those who love
Charity is best understood by those who give
Life is best enjoyed by those who live

Although there is a great deal to be gained by involving oneself in learning, teaching and observing, the truly meaningful and eternal characteristics we should be seeking will be emblazoned on our souls through attentiveness to the God given practicum which surrounds us daily and allows us to interact with our numerous brothers and sisters.

Scripture: John 3:18