Wise Man

A wise man once taught me (and continues to teach me):

• That we dream our lives in grand gestures, but we live our lives in small moments. So do the little things that bring happiness in life.
  
• Work hard! This wise man was sure to instill in his children a work ethic that has blessed the lives of their respected families and is counted to them all as an eternal blessing.
• This said wise man often preached not through detailed organized sermons but through humble example what true discipleship and service was all about.
• He taught me to seek learning. To seek those things that would best benefit me and the lives of my family.
• He taught me honesty. There was never a doubt in my mind that he was and is honest in his dealings with his fellow men.
• He taught me of quiet dignity. I learned from him that wisdom is often listening before you speak, and replying with a soft answer.
• He taught me discipline. Work before play, family before all else were an understood philosophy.
• He showed me that conviction lies deep within the soul, and truth once understood can not be removed.
• Life is going to deal you lemons, be sure that if you can't make lemonade, then work patiently to get rid of the sour and worthless fruit one lemon at a time. Step by step.
• Life wasn't meant to be easy, but that does not change our responsibilities and duties to work hard and put forth our best effort in all we do.
• Respect womanhood and your elders.
• Honor your promises to others and especially to your Heavenly Father.
• Be who you said you would be.
• Remember who you represent in all you do.
• When a rainy day comes along, although you don't have to move pipe, that doesn't mean you don't have to be productive.
• Sometimes it is necessary to dig a hole even if all you are going to do is fill it back up.
• Leadership is not something sought for; but prepared for.
• Sometimes it is not about the reward at the end of the journey but the journey itself.
• Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill.
• Gophers are smart, but with a little borrowed propane and a lighter and a plan of attack, if nothing else you can have a little fun.
• Cows are always more frustrating than children.
• Cowboy up, when a horse bucks you off you are then faced with a choice, give up or get right back up and ride on. There is no integrity in giving up.
• Your life may be tough, but there are always others that are in worse shape then you. So. . . be grateful for what you have and lift others.
• Sometimes a sentence of wisdom is more important then pages of rubbish.
• If you play around the fires of life long enough, you will eventually get burned.
• Dogs aren't mans best friend, horses are.
• Love is demonstrated in action not only in words.
• Faith. Although we will never know what lies around the next bend of the road, all we can do is believe it will be for our benefit and drive on.

Thanks and Happy Birthday Dad! Turning 39 always was hard.