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WITandWISDOM(tm) - January 17, 2000 ~~~~~~~ THOUGHTS: "Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him." - Booker T. Washington (E-zine: THE FUNNIES Mailto:andychaps_the-funnies- subscribe@egroups.com) ~~~~~~~ SPECIAL THOUGHTS: My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to "dad." That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. Dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed. Finally, mom stepped in. I tried to see if I could figure this all out. The project began. Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements, the rules of what we could do and what we couldn't do. Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car. A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through the eyes of mom). Gilbert had not seen any of the other kids‘ cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning," the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own. Then the big night came. With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race. Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed. A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilbert's, lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humiliation Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side, Gilbert had "mom." As the race began it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp. Finally it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest looking car there. As the last race was about to begin, my wide eyed, shy eight year old asked if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. The race stopped. Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, 'Okay, I am ready." As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car. Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval. The Cub Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh, Gilbert?" To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help you beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I don't cry when I lose." - A SIMPLE PRAYER, by Peggy Porter (E-zine: SERMON FODDER http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/Sermon_Fodder ) ~~~~~~~ THIS & THAT: WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER? The Portland Oregonian asked students of local high schools the following question: "What's the one thing you learned this year that you'll remember for the rest of your life?" When changing into a costume at school, be sure to remember where you put your pants. - Alice Beckett, Aloha H.S. You really do have to use a No. 2 pencil. - Kevin Lynn, Gresham H.S. When your kneecap is dislocated, DON'T let your friends try to fix it. Wait for the paramedics. - Jamie Carter, Benson H.S. Always remember to ask before you throw pie all over your room. - Charlene Mercer, Aloha H.S. It is very lonely in my locker. - Nathan Hinkle, Benson H.S. I learned that even the lunch lady doesn't know what's in the food we eat. - Matthew Volker, Aloha H.S. As far as tools of intimidation go, the spatula is not especially effective. - Eric Qualheim, Gresham H.S. A lot of people are idiots, but if you tell them they are they'll stop being an idiot. - Ashley Maier, Aloha H.S. Girlfriends cost a lot and I'm broke as a joke. - John Goshorn, Benson H.S. Never use the boys' restroom no matter how bad you have to go. - Kimberly Hanson, Benson H.S. You have to jump through a lot of hoops for a hat with a stupid tassel. - Meaghan Brady, Lincoln H.S. - The Oregonian, June 10, 1999 (Barbara Henry) ~~~~~~~ KEEP SMILING: A New Kind Of Clothes Washer The department store salesman had almost completed his pitch to the woman to convince her to buy one of those miniature washing machines. She paused and considered it, while watching it in action. Finally, she said, "Sir. I want my clothes agitated - not just irked." (E-zine: THE FUNNIES Mailto:andychaps_the-funnies-subscribe@egroups.com) ~~~~~~~ TRIVIA: If you've ever wondered "HOW" to do something, go no further. This web site gives you the answer to life's most vexing dilemmas, like asking for a raise, losing weight, and buying cheap airfare. The answers are concise and very useful. I found myself going back this site often. http://ehow.com - Byron Bytesworth (E-zine: PREMIUM LINKS Mailto:newsletter@premiumlinks.net?body=subscribe) |