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The meaning of success and how


I sat down to write today about being cast/boot free. It is a joy to be back to my 'normal' state of mobility - which is to say that I stumble and totter like a drunken sailor but at least now I'm not wearing a big black boot. Ahoy matey!

 But instead, I came across the above quote and being easily distracted, I began to think about it instead. (Heck, I'm tired of the damn cast and don't want to waste anymore time thinking or writing about it anyway.) It's a quote my Aunt Bonnie first introduced me too when I graduated from high school and it's come on my radar many times since then, but today for some reason it has given me pause.

 I laugh often, to be sure. I'm like the uncle in Mary Poppins - I love to laugh. I surround myself with people that make me smile and laugh and am grateful for a husband that still knows how to make me laugh.

 I'm not to sure about winning the respect of intelligent people, though. I tend to think out of the box and out loud and that isn't always the way to earn respect. But I know for sure that I've earned the affection of children (aside from the three not so little Piggins) and my affection for children runs deep. I love to talk to children - really talk AND listen to them - from toddlers to teens. Ironically, as a teen though I wasn't overly fond of children and was the second-string babysitter to sister Kelli who is still a kid-magnet to this day.

 I am confident that I've left the world a better place - having three children that each seem to striving to make the world a better place. I am grateful that I had the time and luxury to be the overly-involved mom and pour into them all that I had to give. I am proud of the legacy of Michael, Matthew and Delaney. And I am also confident that I have made my life-partner, John's life, a little easier during some tough patches. (though I made his life more challenging on many occasions, to be sure!)

 So by Mr. Emerson's barometer, my life has been a success so far. I have been spending a lot of time in recent years studying the Bible and when I ruminate of what success looks like for a Christian, it is to not focus on what worldly matters (like material goods or attaining physical perfection). It is closely aligned to what Emerson writes:

 * God wants us to live in peace knowing He is in control and through that peace we can find joy and laughter;
* Earning respect of intelligent people - God wants for us to live our lives righteously and in doing so, we will find respect.
* Affection of children - God wants us to protect and teach and love our children. If we do these things children will have affection and love in return.
* Leaving the world a better place - if we live according to God's will for us, we will be leaving a better world.
* One life a little easier - isn't that what living according to God's will is all about?

 I hope this is post has made at least one person find peace and security in knowing that they've achieved success! Because, I believe that is why I was so easily distracted and lead to write this post. Have a wonderful day!

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It's not a popularity contest, but ...

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