Storage rack - “Trouble brings experience, and experience brings wisdom.”I recall a story about Noah Webster (of dictionary fame), who suddenly found himself one day in an embarrassing situation. He was caught kissing the maid in the kitchen pantry by none other than his wife.
"Why Noah!" she exclaimed. "I'm surprised!"
Always the semanticist, Noah replied, "No, my dear, you're amazed. I'm surprised!"
No, I don't know how they ever resolved that situation. But I do know that surprise and amazement are important if we are to make the most of life's journey. People are dying to really love life. But they have, too often, forfeited the present in order to worry about the future or lament the past.
Ruth Carter Stapleton wrote a succinct philosophy of life in 1981, which was later read at her graveside service. She said: "Time is passing. Each day is a glorious opportunity to live and enjoy. Today I will let the past die - all the undone things, all the misjudged things.... Today, there are new pleasures, new challenges, new magic."
If she allowed herself to be surprised by the present, could she help but be amazed every day by the "pleasures," "challenges" and "magic" all around her? And how about you? Are you ready to put aside concern for the past and future long enough to truly experience the present?
Are you ready to be amazed?
From Lifesupport.
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