“It is best to be with those in time, that we hope to be with in eternity.” B. Fuller. Have you ever considered how much time you spend with people your love, people you like, people you don’t like, or even total strangers on social media? In this crazy highly technical world with all of the means and ways we have of connecting with, and spending time with others, consider how much of your time is superficial or even meaningless. Now, please don’t get me wrong I’m not anti “social media” but I am curious how many people would define their time spent on social media or “so-called” interactions with others as meaningful? Our time here is very short and limited and every hour, day, week, month, or year spent on senseless stuff, activities, and people could one day bring a sense of regret to your memories. I know that looking back I wish I had spent more time with some people, less time with many, and no time at all with a few, but it’s all history now. But, from this day forward we all have a choice – spend real, meaningful, special, memorable time with the people that matter and stop wasting time with people that don’t.
“Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty.” Socrates. Know any millionaires? Billionaires? Are you one of them? If you are let me ask you – what brings you the most pleasure, contentment, inner peace, a sense of worth or positive memories – the stuff you own, the stuff that sits in boxes, drawers, or the garage, or the time doing what you love, with the people you love? Creating positive memories, laughing at what brings you joy, spreading joy or happiness to others? You might be amazed at a few statistics about the contentment and happiness of two groups of people – the wealthy and the poor. Several studies over the years have proven what many people know or can sense and feel – wealth can help you create a better life but not necessarily a happier, more peaceful, or contented one. I am not against money and the ability to buy stuff, but in the end, just think for a moment about what brings you the greatest joy – if I had to guess money or stuff might be involved but it would not be the complete answer!
“Trials teach us what we are.” Spurgeon. Mistakes, poor choices, bad decisions, regrets, failure, problems . . . want more? I’ll bet not. We all do stupid stuff now and then, it’s called life. The real question is do we use them to learn, get smarter and wiser or do we let denial, ego, arrogance, immaturity, or other factors prevent us from learning what life wants us to “learn” so we can have a better future. Some of you who know me well, know that I have made more mistakes than the average person. And, I would agree. However, let me also say that one of the biggest lessons life has been teaching me is to learn from these mistakes and not point fingers at anything or anyone. OK, so, Tim, what gives you the right to publish a newsletter on “Wisdom?” That answer my friend needs to be over a glass of wine or two . . .