That's good, No that's Bad....

Have you ever heard this little tale? Think I first heard it on Hee Haw!

One guy states something, the next guy says That's good. And tells him WHY it is good. Then the first guy says No that's Bad. And gives a reason that it could be bad. Back and forth, on and on it goes. This clever narrative actually, I believe, reveals a handy tool on this Thanksgiving week. The other side of the coin.

We always hear to count our blessings and that we should. But what about those things that are just not good? Could we discover something great in them? If we tried? OK you say no way I could do that. But just pretend that you could...we are just pretending. So I know you really can't, but if you could what would you find?

Bills! There's a good one we can all relate too. Those lousy, stinking, never ending, ever increasing bills.

Electric bill is to high. But isn't it something we rely on most everyday with very few failures?

With the touch of a button we control the comfort of our homes. Another touch and and we have entertainment from around the world in our living rooms, in color.

Did you every notice how dead a house feels when the power is out. Electricity seem to bring a house to life, to me.

Well then the water bill!

"Never miss the water till the well runs dry." I have heard that since a kid and have found it to very true. How about you? We enjoy clean, pure, drinkable water in several rooms and never give it a thought. In third world countries they may have to walk for miles, carrying it home in pots, pans and plastic bags.

Well times are tough! There just isn't enough money to go around!

Here's a fact that may have gotten past you.

If you live in the U.S.A. , on welfare, you are in the top 10% income bracket in the world.

How's your health? Terrific I hope.

"Health is the greatest wealth." ~Emerson

We are more fortunate than we realize.

Play the That's Good That's bad game. See what you actually have that you can give thanks for...not just this week, not just Thursday, but the other 364 days as well.

I'm personally thankfull for each of you... and I'm sure you are for me too. See there, your list has already started. ;-)

I wish each of you a healthy and happy Thanksgiving.

Snow

Having just experienced our first snowfall of the '09-'10 season, my thoughts returned to last December .

A Californian for the past few decades, my sister has lost actual remembrance of what winter is like. She relishes the rare snow flurry they get in the high desert.

Back to Christmas lights and carols, Currier and Ives scenes and the Noelco guy riding the electric razor over the snow covered hills, her memories blissfully drift.

Last December she took pen and recorded one of these varnished memories during a California snow.

Following is her account of this event. Below that, is my mid-western rebuttal.

Guess it is one of those things we will have to agree to disagree....

Love you Sis!


The Snow Fell

by: Alana Pratt

The snow fell
and it was magical…
I felt like a child again.
I ran from window to window
Wanting to take it all in.

The snow fell
and it was magical…
Flakes so lovely and white,
I awoke to the wonder of it,
It continued into the night.

The snow fell
and it was magical…
It took me to days long passed,
of growing up in a simpler time,
when the pace was not so fast.

The snow fell
and it was magical…
But what about those without mirth,
whose lives are affected by hatred and war?
I prayed for peace on earth.

******************************

The Snow Fell

a rebuttal from the mid-west.
by Marc Johnson

Then snow fell
it was tragical
Oh no, not this shit again.
I ran from window to window.
Why did it have to begin?

The snow fell
it was tragical
Flakes and drifts, what a fright.
I awoke to the plight if it.
It must have snowed all damned night.

The snow fell
it was tragical.
It took me to days long since passed.
When I was a but little guy
with snow clear up to my ass.

The snow fell
it was tragical.
And what about those without mirth?
I figure they're getting this same shitty storm.
What a vacation down south would be worth.

Permanent Purpose: The Butterfly Effect

“When you know that everything matters—that every move counts as much as any other—you will begin living a life of permanent purpose. A life of permanent purpose will make you a better parent, a better spouse and a more valuable friend. Your productivity and financial success will soar to new heights while the old days of uncertainty, doubt, and depression fade into the past.” Andy Andrews

This morning, I read this quote for the very first time. It is from the book:

The Butterfly Effect ~ by Andy Andrews.

This inspired me, filled with spirit.
Like many of you, I have long wondered what my purpose in life is. What am I to do or share that could possibly, positively, affect my family, my friends, co-workers and even the world? What special talent do I possess? What gift do I have to share? And then, in Andy's few simple words it all became radiantly clear.

Life is my purpose! 

Every moment, every breath, thought and action are my purpose, my gift. Each equally important for me and those with whom I share this world, for the generations to come.

In just the last 30 minutes, since reading this quote, I have accomplished several mundane tasks, things that normally fulfill my identity of Chief Procrastinator. But that was changed, like turning on a light, instant illumination. Each task was performed with love and thoughts of how it affects my wife and our relationship, how that affects our children, our friends and now you. 

I almost did not write this 'Rambling'. Doubt was creeping in, as it often does. Should I share and expose my feelings, my thoughts. 

Now I have my answer.
Of course.
This, and every choice I make, is my purpose, my Permanent Purpose.
I, for one, will now choose more wisely. For I now know that every choice matters, for all of us.
Here now flutter the gentle murmur of the butterflies' wings, from my purpose to yours.

What will be your choices today, tomorrow...?
What will you share with all of us?
What will your purpose mean, for the world?