Dexter Iowa Community Site

Consider this quote from Abe Lincoln

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."

We know that we can’t suspend time, and I’m not one of those people who takes the view that I’m holding at age 29. So this week as I roll into my forty-fifth year on this earth, I’ve come up with the top fifteen things I’ve learned in my life. Here we go…

1. I’ve learned it is much better to be honest even if it doesn’t bode well for you. And also that being supportive of other people is always better than being selfish. Unfortunately it is the most often ignored lesson I have learned also.

2. I’ve learned that I would rather give birth than have kidney stones. Fortunately though I was born a dude, otherwise I would never leave the house.

3. I’ve learned that there is nothing more wonderful than being in love, and nothing more devastating than falling out of it.

4. I’ve learned that not every person who comes across your path has your best interest in mind, but you have to trust that they do anyway.

5. I’ve learned that laughter, good food and friendships are things that will stay with you longer than the empty nights alone.

6. I’ve learned that gray hair looks distinguished and that beards are indeed awesome.

7. I’ve learned that most friendships you make in life will never last longer than those you made in FFA.

8. I’ve learned that there isn’t anything that can’t be solved with a good nap.

9. I’ve learned that while we all have the impossible task of living sinless lives, because of the Grace of God we can be forgiven of our sins. Our real goal then is to sin less.

10. I’ve learned that it is always best to have a dream or something to look forward to.

11. I’ve learned that the only sure alarm clocks are a baby’s cry and a leg cramp.

12. I’ve learned that nothing is better than a hug from your child, or your Mom.

13. I’ve learned that hard work brings you far, but it still requires luck to get you over the hump sometimes.

14. I’ve learned that life continues on regardless of how slow or fast we wish it to be and sometimes we can’t do anything but hold on and enjoy the ride.

15. I’ve learned that not only does one need to “Be Still” and take in the small moments, but we also have to “endure” the time between those moments.

Fortunately, I’ve been lucky so far in this life. Good friends, an interesting family, and great opportunities that have given me the chance to live and learn across a broad spectrum. I think the task we all have in front of us is to keep remembering to live. We too often get stuck in our own situations, some we have made on our own and some that have been thrust upon us, but we must continue to get up every day, to put one foot in front of the other and continue to support and encourage those around us. Our time on this earth is limited and when we reach the end shouldn’t we all be fortunate enough to have the people around us say, “He/She lived life!” That my friends is really what it is all about. See you next week. Remember, we’re all in this together.