Integrity is a key word in reaching life’s destination. It encompasses
many virtues. It will keep one honorable in all transactions and will keep one
always sought after, for a reputation of reliability and honesty is everyone’s
good fortune. Integrity will bring peace into the life of the one living by
it because he will not be ashamed of his thoughts, his words, or his deeds.
I’ve heard some referred to as ignorant and thought it meant
stupid, but it doesn’t. It means lack of knowledge. I am ignorant in many areas
but I am not stupid. Someone can be very
intelligent
and not have a diploma. There is the education one receives through academia
and then there is the hands-on experience that comes with time. Those with degrees
must eventually practice that hands-on experience as well. Everyone can teach
us something. Everyone has a degree of intelligence.
It seems there is a lack of modesty in our culture today. Peer
pressure frowns on wholesomeness and clean, upright living, which is unfortunate
for our young people. I have fond wishes for girls to look and act like ladies
and boys to behave like gentlemen. I remember when getting pregnant out of
wedlock was shameful and drinking and doing drugs was a death sentence to one’s
popularity. Society has come to accept today’s immoral behavior as common and
modesty and temperance are dirty words. I guess every generation down through
time has asked, “What happened to the ‘good ole days?’ ”
Have you ever met someone who was just good through and through?
They have a good heart, they have a good attitude, they have a good
outlook on life, and they see the good in everything, everyone, and
every situation. Goodness is on their countenance. It is a pleasure to encounter
someone that encourages, uplifts, and fortifies your day. You come away a much
better person for the experience. My father was one of these good
people!
Walking in health can be quite a challenge
today. Our pre-packaged, pre-processed, instant lifestyle chooses convenience
over well being as we travel down the aisles of our local grocery store. Unfortunately,
our tastes require food coloring for desirability and food additives to
preserve those items on the shelves until we select them and take them home. Then
we complain with numerous ailments that our ancestors never experienced. Why?
They shopped in the garden. Next time you do your shopping, don’t travel the aisles,
travel the edges. You will find the healthier foods are on the perimeter.
The phrase “as pure as the driven snow” may describe
someone who is virtuous or someone who is naïve but the description usually
gets the point across. Make every effort to strive for purity
(innocence) for it makes one transparent and leads to trustworthiness. I
would much rather conduct business with someone who is open and forthright than
to deal with someone who is deceptive and suspicious. To live “as pure
as the driven snow” is not an insult, it is to be praised.
I took my first typing class in tenth grade and I experienced
what it must feel like for a pianist when he sits down to play Mozart. I was
hooked and I’m still hooked today! It distresses me to see words misspelled, to
see sloppy files, to see paper that is cut crooked, or even see paper clips
bent or strung together like a necklace. That’s the “secretary” in me. I
received a good work ethic from my parents who grew up on farms in Arkansas during
the depression. I guess you could say that productivity was a virtue in my
household. Giving back instead of always taking from is something to be commended.
As we move into life’s experiences, we
must consider how we will live.
Will we live unashamed or will we live
with regret?
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