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"It
is impossible for ideas to compete in the marketplace if no forum for
their presentation is provided or available." Thomas Mann, 1896
The
Paradox of Our Age
By
Dr. Bob Moorehead, former pastor of Seattle's Overlake Christian Church.
(He retired in 1998 after 29 years in that post). The essay appeared under the
title "The Paradox of Our Age" in "Words Aptly Spoken",
Dr. Moorehead's 1995 collection of prayers, homilies, and monologues used in
his sermons and radio broadcasts."
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but
shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but
have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller
families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less
sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems,
more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too
little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our
possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and
hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life
not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have
trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space
but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but
not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish
less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold
more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less
and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small
character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two
incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of
quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands,
overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the
stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time
when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.
Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to
be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in
awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only
treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones,
but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes
from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for
someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to
speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that
take our breath away.
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let
the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.
Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's
workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with
us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes,
music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve
it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a
foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
. . . . . AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away. If you don't send this to at
least 8 people. . . . who cares?
George Carlin
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