Encouragement from Friends
Today I received a visit from Bill Schroeder from Jefferson County. Bill is a former State Senator and has been involved in politics in Jefferson County and Colorado for a number of years. While serving in the State House, I was Bill’s State Representative. After serving in the State Senate Bill has worked as the Government and Community Affairs Director for Intermountain Rural Electric Association. He is now retired but still serves as the President of the South Jefferson County Republican Breakfast Club. This is where I first met Bill personally when I ran for the State House in 2006. (Picture above Bill and me)
I have valued Bill’s support and perspective over the years and always took note of his wisdom and experience. He hand delivered a nice card with a generous gift from my friends at the club. I miss the meetings that are held the first and third Thursday of each month at Foothills Golf Course in Lakewood.
I got out this afternoon and rode my racing wheelchair for about 45 minutes. I think I am learning more how to navigate uneven surfaces with slight slopes that require me to use one arm for most of the power. I need to get better if I am going to traverse three miles in less than three hours!
I also received an email from my friend Bob Long that contained the following “Wisdom from a Friend.” I thought some of these were pretty good and wanted to share them with you. Bob and I attended high school together and were college roommates as well. We lived in the house in Greeley that my mom just sold. Bob is retired high school teacher and principal. He and his high school sweetheart and now wife, of 36 years or so, Sandy live in Sydney, Nebraska.
WISDOM FROM A FRIEND
I’ve learned…. That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day! ‘makes my day.
I’ve learned…. That being kind is more important than being right.
I’ve learned…. That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I’ve learned…. That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.
I’ve learned…. That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I’ve learned…. That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.
I’ve learned…. That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I’ve learned…. That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I’ve learned…. That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I’ve learned…. That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I’ve learned…. That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I’ve learned… That life is tough, but I’m tougher.
I’ve learned…. That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I’ve learned…. That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I’ve learned…. That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I’ve learned…. That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I’ve learned…. That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life.
I’ve learned…. That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…
“With perfect peace you will protect those whose minds cannot be changed, because they trust you. Trust the Lord always, because the Lord, the Lord alone, is an everlasting rock.” Isa. 26:3,4
Remember: Steadfast trust = perfect peace