Keeping Score

One of the perks of growing older is we hopefully gain wisdom.

Not only do we gain wisdom, but we love sharing that wisdom with anyone who listens.

Two things I’ve learned in my life have been so helpful to me that I wanted to share it with all of you.

First off, clean up your own backyard.

The meaning of that phrase should be apparent.

People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Paraphrasing scripture, remove the log from your own eye before removing the splinter from another’s eye.

It took me a lot of years to grasp this, but I find it very helpful to adhere to this old adage.

In an earlier column I shared the harm in gossiping so I won’t dwell on this much other than to say it makes for a much more peaceful life if you do away with window peeping, butting in, and rumor spreading.

It usually breaks down to a control issue.

If a person’s life is out of control they will try and find something they can control, even if it hurts someone else.

Misery loves company.

The other nugget of wisdom is contained in three little words.

Don’t keep score.

This has absolutely been life changing for me.

Don’t keep score about all the bad things that have happened to you.

Certainly deal with them in the appropriate way but then move on.

Don’t keep score about all the bad things you’ve done to others.

Again, make your amends, learn from it and change your behaviors.

Don’t keep score of all the good things you’ve done for people.

This too can create a world of trouble.

If you help someone move, but resent it the whole time and expect a favor in return, you’re in for disappointment.

“You owe me” attitudes never work out.

Yes with age comes wisdom.

I hope I live quite a bit longer because I’m still trying to figure a lot of it out.

Things like finishing a honey do list on time.

My wife is really helping me with this one.

See you out there.