Lessons I Have Learned

At one time I had a book entitled something like, “The Greatest Lessons of Life I Learned in Kindergarten.” A few weeks ago I was reflecting on the title of the book, which I am not certain I have remembered accurately, and I realized that most of my important life lessons were gained outside of my formal education. It has been said that life experience is our best teacher. I started making a list and here are some of my most important life lessons.

Through life experience I have Learned:

That some of the most important life lessons were learned at the feet of wise, godly elderly people.
That one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” made my day.
That being kind was more important than being right.
That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to do something or I’m too far away to help in some tangible way.
That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, you can’t always take yourself seriously.
That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.
That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
That we should be glad God doesn’t give us all we ask for.
That money doesn’t buy peace or joy.
That it’s the small daily happenings that makes life spectacular.
That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
That the Lord didn’t do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?
That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
That the big picture is made up of tiny artistic detail.
That I grow as a person by surrounding myself with those who love God with a pure heart.
That everyone you meet should be greeted with a smile.
That I can’t choose what people do to me but I can choose how I respond.
That when you harbor bitterness, happiness and peace will dock elsewhere.
That one should keep his words soft, tender and drizzled with honey because tomorrow you may have to eat them.
That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks and outdoes plastic surgery.
That advice is most welcome on two occasions: when people ask for it and when people want it.
That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the grace, love and character are built while you are climbing it.
That it is not how long we live but how much life we bring to each day we live.
That the race does not belong to the strong but to the true and the faithful.
That history is a record of the events of our life. Heritage is the value we extract from those events.

Embrace each day with gratitude and contentment knowing that you have an opportunity to leave a footprint of excellence and the fragrance of care. Keep focused on the values that outlast time and I will see you at the top.

Duane Harder

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