the priveledge

Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting with a blind man. Interesting statement. I know. However, this blind man, also did not speak English. I on the other hand only spoke a rudimentary modicum of his language.

So while visiting some friends, kids playing I found myself in an awkward position of speaking with this older gentlemen. In truth, I was intrigued. I learned that he was an art-teacher, and had only been blind recently (I'm guessing three years). Still, in my visit I came away impressed at the wisdom of this man. His kindness, and patience. I got no taste of frustration or bitterness. This was a man who was retired, robbed of his sight by a botched surgery, and essentially forced to love with his son in a country which language he didn't speak.

Still the man was courteous, happy, patient. The man had a kind energy about him and even a good sense of humor.

So I lamented not having shoes, until I saw a man with no feet.

So continues

So continues my whining rant at life. Gas prices are up. Politicians continue to act like politicians. The smart remain smart, yet I fear the ignorant remain ignorant. So much of life is perspective. It is so easy to feel sorry for yourself. Yet easier still, if you perchance to glance you can quickly find someone worse off than you.

I'm not saying If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. I'm simply saying, for the most part, we are free creatures with the power to choose. often times, I suspect more than not, the bounds in our life which leave feeling burdened and chained down, are self imposed learned behaviors.

Let us not forget our friend the elephant, who is chained in place as a child, but merely restrained by a string as an adult. Learned.

Just a thought or two.