The mysteries of life are revealed in good time

The mysteries of life are revealed in a variety of situations. How each of us handle them would certainly fill a book, but my question to you is, “How did you know how to do that?” I expect the majority would answer, “That’s how I saw it done.” 

Many of us followed the example of parents, friends, mentors, or someone we looked up to. I recollect my Mom setting me straight on some life issues. In fact, I can still hear her words and my answer to her, the voice of my dear ol’ sainted Mother was firm, concerned, and loving. She said this after I had probably pulled some dumb stunt and she had brought it to my attention. She asked me, “What will others think of you?” 

And I replied, “I don’t care what other people think!” That was not the right answer and I have a dim recollection of the aftermath, but I will assure you that it wasn’t my best hour! Somehow, I survived those growing up years and I wouldn’t admit it, but the truth is, it was a combination of a Mother’s love and the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As I grew in maturity and years, I had opportunity to learn a lot of lessons. 

Now back to Mammy’s question: What will others think of you? 

Believe it or not, this answer affects you in many areas. For your own self-esteem, everyone wants to be thought well of and that means that your answer to this question will not be the same as my uneducated answer. 

Remember, how you handle life and react to everyday situations is being scrutinized by those around you. Young and old, friend and foe, close associate and stranger, and anyone else that has the good fortune to be in your presence. You never know who may be looking, but your shadow knows! I just saw a note that said, “I try to be good, but I take after Grandpa!” 

Just goes to show you that the little ones are watching. So, let’s begin by asking yourself, “What do I need to do to be a good example?” (1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.)

Think about what happens when you smile at someone. Chances are that they will smile back. So, this theory tends to support what the Golden Rule says. 

Do unto others what you would have them do to you. So, if you do a good deed, chances are that something good will come from that good deed. Friendliness will bring friendliness just as a kind person will receive kindness or a loving spirit will bring compassion. Turning that around, if someone is cruel and mean toward you, what is your first reaction toward them? 

Yes, human nature wants to lash out. But if you follow the Golden Rule, hopefully you will smile and say, “Excuse me.” And then give them some space. Remember, you control your actions. (Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.)

Mammy, my Mom, could see the good in all, though there was one or two that she considered suspect. Still, she was considerate to each and everyone. I think she somehow knew that her actions and how she reacted to other’s actions would bring about the best in any situation. Now don’t get me wrong, she was no pushover, but she had a knack for defusing a volatile moment. She never failed to set a good example in whatever setting she found herself whether it be family, friends, or in the public’s eye.

Set The Pattern

The day dawned windy, cold, and damp, 

made you sorta dread leavin’ camp,

But they was chores one must do.

You wore a slicker an’ yore hat, 

still you hated doin’ that.

‘Cuz them mornin’ clouds was plumb blue.

But yore young’un sittin there, 

well, he give you a prideful stare,

You was top hand in his book,

He walked just the way you did, 

caught him once wearin’ yore lid,

He just wanted to see you look.

I guess it must be nature’s way, 

you set a pattern day by day,

Your actions become a link,

For a young’uns admiring eye, 

an’ for others bye an’ bye

What will other people think?

An’ you thought back to yore Mama’s word, 

that question she made shore you heard,

It sorta set yore mind to stir.

She was just tryin’ to teach you right, 

be an example in God’s sight,

You knew that’s what she would prefer.

An’ other folks would see you too, 

like friends an’ maybe a kid or two,

You was sorta in the lime light,

Well, you knew that’s what she meant, 

be careful how yore life is spent,

‘Cuz others will keep you in sight.

An’ there that young’un sat watchin’ you, 

so you start that job as if on cue,

Do yore job an’ do it correct,

Yessir, you’ll see this through, 

an’ do what you gotta do,

In that young’un’s eyes you’ll see respect.

An example is what you must be, 

just doin’ right, that others might see,

Let Jesus’ life be yore tool,

Always stand up to the task, 

answer whatever life may ask,

Forever follow the Golden Rule!

©  Ol’ Jim Cathey

Matthew 7:12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

God Bless each of you and God Bless America!