I am not sure why I am writing this blog post, today of all days, when my plate at work is full, I have an appointment at the club, and I want to go for a swim; however, here it goes.
I received a very nice email from a former school administrator, who is a Christian. It was written by George Carlin after the death of his wife. The words caused me to pause and reflect on their validity in today's world. I copy them here, with credit to George:
GEORGE CARLIN (His wife
died....and George followed her, dying July 2008)
Isn't it
amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write
something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.
A Message by George Carlin:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have
taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger
houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more
degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet
more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke
too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry,
stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and
pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced
our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a
life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to
the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new
neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger
things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less.
We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We
build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than
ever, but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow
digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow
relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier
houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers,
throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do
everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in
the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can
bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this
insight, or to just hit delete...
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones,
because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up
to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your
side.
Remember, to give a warm
hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with
your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, 'I love
you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and
an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for
someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give
time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not
measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our
breath away.
George Carlin
I am not sure why I am writing this blog post, today of all days; perhaps it will remind some of you and me of the importance of these values:
- loving one another unconditionally
- caring enough to hold our tempers in check,
- being content with exactly where we are in life
- taking time to communicate, especially to listen and really hear one another
- finding peace in our souls
Until next time,
Bee Rich
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