Archive for the ‘Many Reasons to Be Happy’ Category

Invictus is the Latin word for “unconquerable” and it is the title of a new movie starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. The movie tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team, Francois Pienaar, to unite their country. I enjoy it when a genuinely inspiring movie comes along. I recently saw The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, and Quinton Aaron. Another one’s coming in January, Extraordinary Measures, with Brandon Fraser, Harrison Ford, and Keri Russell.

It was when I was first introduced to the process of computer programming that I heard the phrase “garbage in; garbage out.” This means, if you put faulty information into the computer, you get a crummy computer program. Isn’t the same true with much of life? If you put mostly junk food in your body, what do you get? You get poor health. If you think negative thoughts, what do you get? You get a bad attitude. How about movies? If you watch a crummy movie, what do you get? Nothing worthwhile. Watch a good one and you get inspiration. 

Invictus made me thankful for the courage of great leaders. The Blind Side helped to stimulate my own spirit of fairness and generosity. Thank goodness for the good movies. Thank goodness for the true stories behind them.

Is it just me or does anybody else out there sense some growing positive trends in our society–what we might even call a spiritual renewal? We still witness the political wrangling in Washington. There is still crime in the streets. And, even in a recession, materialism still gets in the way of what’s truly important. At the same time…

I just saw news coverage of elderly WWII veterans praising the valor of the younger generation of soldiers. There were also younger soliders honoring those who preceded them in battle. I also heard about a Website where teens and 20-somethings are posting photos of their parents when they were younger and also “cool.” They are acknowledging the colorfulness and the good character of their parents. I see interfaith movements where people of diverse religious backgrounds overcome their differences and unite in faith. And, have you noticed the myriad of humanitarian organizations operating throughout the world bringing transformation to communities where there is hunger and oppression?  

I conclude two things: (1) When times get a little tougher, we may reach out to each other more than when the economy is booming and zooming. (2) We also see in the world whatever we choose to look for. If we look in the darkness, we see only shadows. If we turn the lights on, we see beauty and kindness.

Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day. Recent events in Texas cause Americans to feel even more appreciation for those who put their lives on the line to protect the rest of us. We honor those veterans who preserved our liberty over the years. We are thankful for the service of those who are currently assigned in the world’s trouble spots. We are grateful to their families who share in the sacrifice they are making for their fellow Americans.

My father, Widtsoe Checketts, was a World War II pilot who served in the China-Burma-India theatre. Here is an excerpt from his diary.

“On our many trips across the Himalayan Mountains in our C-46 aircraft, we encountered the most dangerous weather in the world. On one trip in extremely turbulent air, with a cargo of metal drums containing high octane gas, a most terrifying thing happened. The aircraft’s electrical wires caught fire causing many of the instruments to malfunction; leaving us hanging up in that cold wilderness above those wicked mountain peaks. The crew chief came charging up to my cabin yelling that we would have to bail out as the plane was on fire. I called the crew up front. ‘Fellows, if we bail out we will surely freeze to death or we can ride a burning inferno about to explode over China and hope God will spare us?’ They agreed to stay aboard and fight for their lives as I added, ‘Better all get busy saying some prayers too, men!’ Apparently our high altitude helped get the message to our Maker quicker. The plane did not explode. I flew by the seat of my pants. We landed in China. I was alive. To kneel down and kiss mother earth was so wonderful to me.”

About a hundred years ago, James Whitcomb Riley wrote “When the Frost Is on the Punkin.” This delightful poem sums it all up where the autumn season is concerned.  Here’s a small excerpt to inspire you to go locate the poem in your favorite book of American poetry or on the Internet. 

“When the frost is on the punkin…
They’s something kindo’ harty-like about the atmusfere
When the heat of summer’s over and the coolin’ fall is here…”

The poem goes on to make us chuckle, to smile, and to yearn. As fall comes, there are the things we miss about summer and yet a feeling of warmth and anticipation that enters in where the things we love most are concerned. There’s also the rakin’ of leaves, the preparin’ for winter, and the fixin’ of yummy holiday foods. 

Autumn is officially the time to celebrate the harvest and to give thanks. It is a time for family.

I remember the delightful story my daughter-in-law told of one particular interaction with her eight-year-old daughter. Her daughter was about to leave for a birthday party. Mom noticed a very interesting combination of clothing items that were colorful and creatively assembled but which did not seem to match very well. She expressed her surprise. In turn, the little lady looked up at her with a very sad expression. Mom quickly tried to recover the situation by saying, “Oh, honey, I know it’s not the clothes that make the woman.” Her daughter smiled, looked at her feet, and replied, “Thanks, Mom. You’re right. It’s not the clothes. It’s the shoes.” She waved at her mom and scurried out the door. 

We live in an age when there is much competition for “what’s truly important” that makes the woman or makes the man. How well do we sort it all out? It’s an important challenge, isn’t it—to know what’s truly important?

Will power is simply this. It is an instantaneous decision to change your mind. One minute you can be sitting and then decide to stand up. One minute you can be frowning and then decide to smile. One minute you can be pushing back and then decide to stop and reach out. 

The above is an excerpt from The New American Prosperity, Essay #20 entitled, “The City of Happiness.” For the author, this city is in the state of mind. Discovering the city is about faith and will power and love.

Invitation: Consider where and how you find “The City of Happiness.”

Summer’s not officially over, but, come Labor Day, most Americans seem to sense that the fall is a time when we get down to business to wrap up the current year well and to set the stage for a New Year to come. 

As we look to 2010, there is not only the New Year that will unfold, but the second decade of our new millennium. Wow, that came fast. I still remember celebrating New Year’s Eve 2000 as we welcomed the 21st Century. So, how will this second decade be different from the first? As we examine America’s role in the world community, as we strive for national unity in addressing our own problems of the economy, healthcare, education, and the general well-being of our communities, what would we change or re-invent? 

As you set goals and form your alliances, there is always the need to be energized and optimistic. At the same time, most of us seek to find some peace and contentment. The challenge is about balance in our lives. One fine man I know spoke from his deathbed and said, “Looking back on my life, I wish I had done even more of just two things: have fun and give service to others.” 

It is my dream for my fellow Americans, as we anticipate the second decade of the 21st Century, that we will enjoy our grand land and have fun with friends and family as we also make a difference in the quality of our lives and the quality of the communities to which we belong. There is a balance between Achievement and Contentment. There is a balance as we seek to positively “rock the world” and simultaneously promote peace on earth.  

Invitation: Set your goals for a new decade to come. Find the balance.

Sharon and I just returned from a four-day visit to Yellowstone National  Park. It is a gorgeous corner of the world. The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone with its upper and lower falls is one of the premier scenic vistas our planet offers. The thermal features of the park are an inside peek at the geological history of the earth. Then, there are the animals of Yellowstone. We hoped to see wolves, elk, and bear. We did not. But the North American bison (most often called buffalo) did not disappoint us. These magnificent creates symbolize what we have learned to love about the western wilderness of the United States. 

At one point in our journey, several hundred bison chose to meander near, on, and across the highway creating a traffic jam that rivals any I’ve experienced in LA. However, we were far more patient with the movement of bison than we are with modern automobile traffic. 

The trip reminded us of the wonders of the world and how important it is to just slow down and take them all in. 

Invitation: Go to Yellowstone.

Tread wear on the tires of your car or truck, means you’ve been somewhere. No tread wear would mean the vehicle sat in the garage. Where have those tires been? What particular miles have they covered? Did they roll along smoothly over the paved highways of life or did they encounter rough roads with bumps and potholes on their way? Tires are amazingly resilient. So are we.

It’s interesting to reflect on the miles of our lives and the roadways we’ve traveled. Count the tread wear as proof that you did get out of the garage and go somewhere. Often, the tread wear was greatest when you were accelerating or pulling something behind you. Those tires were working hard as you did. Such tread wear may be the sign of your best tire performance of all. You were taking life on or helping others on their way.

Tread Wear

If the tread is worn thin, 
It’s about where you’ve been.
If new tires are needed,
You replace from within.

Question: How do you replace the “tires of life” from within?

It’s August already. Sharon and I just finished our brisk morning walk to get some fresh air and exercise. The sky was blue and the winds were stronger than usual. There was a taste of fall in the air. We reflected on the intrigue and the joys of four seasons—winter, spring, summer, and fall. As we grow a little tired of hot summer weather, we are reminded that fall will soon bring crisp air and golden leaves.

A thousand poets have reflected on the seasons of our lives. Each season has a reason for occurring as do the changes in our lives. After giddy economic boom times, a recession comes to teach us. Then, along comes a recovery wherein we regain our footing and move forward with renewed confidence and increased wisdom. Thus, we discover The New American Prosperity. 

Invitation: Tell us what you’re discovering.