The Golden Rule

One thing that everyone knows, but not everyone really thinks about is treating others the way that you would like to be treated, also known as the golden rule, “do onto others as you would like them to do onto you.” If one really thinks about that statement, all crime, injustice and unscrupulous behavior would be completely eliminated from the human race! This is not only true because God said it is, but if you look closely at this statement and think about it, you will see that it is true. If everyone did to others as they would like to be done to themselves and loved their neighbor as themselves, do you think there would be murder, thievery, adultery, hate, envy, war and a slew of other sins that mankind has to deal with today; of course not! People have to stop quoting the golden rule, we have to practice what we preach and start treating others as we would like to be treated.

Thankfulness

It just became clear to me, that I have so much to be thankful for. Usually, I just go through my day, living my life and enjoying the luxuries of life that so many people cannot enjoy. Everything from my wardrobe, which I complain about, between the look ant the size, to the large house I live in and even the amount of food that is in the fridge, which I also complain about, is all things that some people would love to have, but can only dream of having. So many people in the world would love to be in the financial, and living conditions that I almost daily complain about. Jesus always tells us to be thankful for everything. So many people in the Bible, and many people all over the world, are so thankful, and give thanks daily, for what we Americans would describe as less than nothing. Out of all the people in the world, I would be categorized in the top percent wealthy people. I want to learn to be more thankful,, even for the little things in life. I believe that if a person is very thankful, then they will be a more happy, content and optimistic person. We all need to look around us and realize that we have so much to be thankful for.

A lonely Bindlestiff

What is a bindlestiff? A bindlestiff is characterized as a hobo, especially one who carries a bedroll. Bindlestiffs were in high population during the great depression when men who lost everything, would search for work.

Surrounded by the bleak realization of being a bindlestiff pressed down hard on the lonely traveler; not more than two months ago, he had everything a guy could want: a home, a steady job and some money in his pocket. Now all he had was the clothes on his back, his hat and his bedroll. Walking for hours on a lonely road, that seems to lead to eternity, further confirmed that hope had passed him by. Although hope is frail, it is hard to kill, so he continues walking. Walking towards the bleak horizon where maybe hope will find him.   

The Two Traedies

“There are two tragedies in life: One is not getting what you want, the other is getting it.” (Oscar Wilde). What do you think this quote means? In my opinion, people are essentially selfish beings who want what they want when they want it. We do not think through our desires, or most of the time lusts, and do not realize that they may introduce inconveniences, or can even be detrimental to our lives.  The latter tragedy is “getting what we want”, we sometimes do not realize that what we long and pine for can, in reality, destroy us. We can also be destroyed by what we want and end up getting. We will scrunch and save for some thing that we want; ignorant to the fact that that what we want will ultimately devastate us.

One example of this in literature is the Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Both characters wanted to be with the other so badly and they both got what they wanted, but in the end, they ended up killing themselves because of it. This quote is sad but true.

A memorable experience

Throughout my life there have been many memorable experiences. One memorable experience was the day that I was baptized. This experience was definitely one of the positive experiences of my life so far. Because of this very memorable experience, I have come closer to God, which is very important. Being baptized is a daily reminder that my old life is dead and I must daily live a life that is pleasing to my God. Now, every time I am tempted to do something wrong, I remember that I am now baptized and my life is no longer mine to live. Baptism is an outward sign to the world that you have chosen to follow God, and that you want His will for your life and not your own.  I now, more than ever, have to be a mirror for God. I am very happy that I was baptized and will try my very best to live a life that is pleasing to my savior.