Outside pressure

Years ago I was an Instructor in Naval Intelligence Processing. Later a SS teacher. I was always looking for Objects to use in teaching.  I remembered the teachers that could drive a point home with a fitting object.  Quotes of the 'Wise ones' were also near the top of the list.

In Key West I was called into the 'Old Man's Office'.  I reported in and my CO said, "Stand at ease Chief."  He was smiling and continued. "I wanted to take a minute to tell you I stood outside your class room today. I liked the use of the hammer in driving data home. I also noticed you used a lot of sayings  attributed to your dad. I just wanted to know, was your dad that wise, and did he say that much?"

I laughed and said, "My dad had a formal education of the 3rd grade. He was self-educated and smarter than many men with a Masters-degree. And Yes-sir, he did talk that much, he was a preacher."

"Get out of here Chief, and keep up the good work." (I write, patting myself on the back!)

 (Key West has the southern most point of the USA)


Now to the point of this entry. When I taught SS many Sunday mornings I took an early walk. One morning I started picking up nuts and bolts along the road. I found some wheel nuts, muffler hangers and many assorted things belonging to cars and trucks.

That morning I carried a sack of the parts into class. I took the objects out one at a time and suggested that none of these parts on their own would  stop the car, BUT it would be less safe. A wheel lug will not cause you to lose a tire but if another is lost the pressure on the other lugs can be dangerous. I was equating this to our lives, if we are not careful we will not notice some of your joy is gone.  Losing some of these bolts I am sure caused some squeaks. Losing some of our joy we may start squeaking or complaining. Sometimes the complaints are enough to ruin good relations.
There are times when outside pressure, works like pot holes to cars and cause you to lose something you NEED and treasure, like your smile. I hate it when outside forces mess with my mind. It happens to me. If you are not careful it can happen to you. When I start complaining, my girl checks me, and I TRY to straighten up and fly right.  LOL



Nite Shipslog
PS:We have a son who thinks when you die and you are good, you go to Key West. I do not share the feeling.

 This is a cool paint job on a unique car