…but John Wooden certainly was one as he lived a life worthy of emulation. Born on an Indiana farm with no electricity or indoor plumbing, he always carried a piece of paper with a message from his father that he lived by:
“Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day.”
Further, his father always told him: “Don’t look back, don’t whine, don’t complain”.
In Wooden’s book, “Pyramid of Success: Building Blocks for a Better Life” there were 15 conceptual building blocks of traits like industriousness, alertness and poise, held together by faith and patience. As he was a religious man, his strongest exclamation was “Goodness gracious sakes alive!” However, I’ve heard that phrase could make grown men shake.
“Failure is not fatal “ he would say, “failure to change might be”.
More Maxims:
“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”
“Flexibility is the key to stability.” (Doesn’t that remind you of the Bamboo that bends and doesn’t break?)
“Be quick, but don’t hurry.”
Which brings me to a party beautiful Lisa Bowman (creator of www.thereligionnetwork.com ) gave for Kristin Rosendahl, her soon to be daughter-in-law (lucky Stephen…lucky Kristin). I had hoped to go but at the last minute had to phone in my three ‘words/thoughts of wisdom’ that each guest was instructed to supply.
1. Only speak words of love and encouragement as hurtful words, spoken in anger can never be called back.
2. When you’re angry or hurt, remember who you married and always return to that loving place.
3. (And most importantly….)
BEING RIGHT ISN’T WHAT IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE!
