Life Rules

This list arrived in my e-mail a while ago now:

Home Rules:                                                   
1.   If you sleep on it - pick it up
2.   If you wear it - hang it up
3.   If you drop it - pick it up
4.   If you eat out of it - put it in the sink
5.   If you step in it - wipe it off
6.   If you open it - close it
7.   If you empty it - fill it up
8.   If it rings - answer it
9.   If it howls - feed it
10. If it cries - LOVE IT!

These are wonderful rules to live by, there are a couple more that my parents taught me along the way!

1. Don't argue with old people!           


The gift of age, gives them the advantage of experience and wisdom. They naturally look at a situation with reflection into the 'long run'. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, and Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13, There are no new situations 'under the sun'. There may be a different or new way of expressing things, but the root problems are all the same.  I have always found that when I take my time and think carefully, I can see the wisdom in their advice.  Be especially wary if they stop talking to you, and just say "Have it your way". I've found they really recognize the answer, and  you are in big trouble if you don't pay attention!

2. The most precious legacy is the love and respect of a loved one.

The richest gift you can give or receive is the love and respect of a loved one. Not just in your family, but in extended family, neighbours, church, wherever. To give the free gift of your time, in listening, doing for, and helping someone. I have had the most wonderful times of my life, listening to the 'life stories' of  some of the older people I have met along the way. It is a peek into history, when I hear a personal story of someone who lived in a time I read about in school. So many of our personal stories are being lost as time goes by. I find that it is also wise to incorporate some of the ideas and habits I hear about into my life. I didn't incorporate the idea of one tea bag for several days, or leaving cut tomatoes out till they grow stuff - another story, told in a previous blog! Knowing the stories of a person's life, can help you understand why a person thinks and behaves the way they do. When someone is talking, don't just listen to their words, but hear their heart.

It is my opinion that true education begins at the knees of the special people God has placed in our lives.

Have a wonder-filled day!

Phoebe