For what it is worth! (standard:other, 6356 words)
Author: Kenneth Nash	Added: Feb 01 2006	Views/Reads: 3210/2313	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
This is a part of the epilogue to my autobiography. It contains some of my philisophical ideas and sayings

It was suggested that I share some philosophical principles and sayings
that I have come to believe as truths. Now, I must add that even though 
I believed in them I have not always adhered to them. You may recall 
that I mentioned before, “It is not what you know... It's what you do 
that counts.” It is for this reason I have named this chapter: 

“For What It's Worth” 

“You get what you pay for and you pay for what you get” 

Over the years I have learned from experiences, both good and bad, that
life is pretty much a balance. I have come to realize that the above 
statement can be applied to all areas of life. (Mentally, physically, 
emotionally, and spiritually). It costs something to commit to a job, 
physical well being, relationships, spirituality, etc. But, we always 
gain something from those commitments. If my choices are not to pay the 
price (commitment) I will get just what I paid for. 

“Relationships” 

The chicken said to the pig, “Let's give the farmer bacon and eggs for
breakfast!” The pig replied, “That is easy for you to say, your effort 
is a contribution, mine is a total commitment!” 

Some say that for a relationship to work over a long period of time it
must be 50% from both partners. Others say it must be 100% each. Now, 
while marriages and unions may be made in heaven, they are endured or 
enjoyed here on earth. I do not know anyone that can commit, or even 
contribute 100% all the time. Maybe it takes a 200% combined effort. 
The times that I am unable, or unwilling to give 100%, maybe just 75%, 
then the partner that is committed will give 125% to make up for my 
meager contribution. When the time comes that neither person is willing 
to try to go the “extra mile” the relationship is in serious trouble. I 
will be honest with you, I have been pretty good at contribution to 
relationships, but as far as commitment I have been pitifully lacking 
on many occasions. 

“Happiness is just a series of happenings” 

I think most of us want happiness for ourselves, our children, and
others. That is a God given instinct. “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit 
of Happiness”.  The Apostle Paul wrote that he LEARNED to be CONTENT in 
whatever state he was in. It is interesting to note that he did not use 
the term “happy” in that statement. I have come to believe there is a 
big difference between the two. 

Someone once said to me, “Kenny. I think you would be happy in any place
you lived”.  I agree that I try to make the best out of most 
situations, but I have, also, made the worst out of many. 

Happiness comes from our attitudes because of the circumstances and
situations that come our way. Contentment comes from our attitude 
despite those circumstances and situations. Could it be that happiness 
is a state of mind, and contentment is the state of one's soul? 
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“We only have to look around us to see the negatives in life”. “The
positives have to be searched for” 

In South Africa, they produce beautiful diamonds. It is interesting that
they have to search through, and move, about ten tons of stone to find 
one or two diamonds less than the size of our little fingernail! 

Life gives us a lot of dirt and rocks at time, but I believe that with
all that, there are some “gems” to be gleaned. Yep, takes some digging 
and searching, but the diamonds, (or good things in life) can be found. 
Maybe it is a rainbow in the sunlight after a dark stormy night. Or, 
the Robin just outside the window early in the morning. More important 
it may be looking for a way to help, or comfort, another person that is 
still facing a lot of dirt in life! 
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