DRUG PROBLEM

Cowboy Bob stopped by our place the other day all in a tizzy about our politicians doing a lot of confessing about marital infidelity, and drug use.

He said, “You know, I had a drug problem when I was young. And it was all my parents fault.”

My mouth dropped open. He continued, “All during my childhood, they drug to church on Sunday morning. They drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community socials, no matter what the weather.

“I was drug by my ear to apologize when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, didn’t speak to others with respect, or if I didn’t put forth my best effort in everything I did.

“I was drug back to the drug store to apologize to Mr. Ross when I stole that piece of candy. I was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and flower beds. I was drug to the homes of family, friends and neighbors to help mow the yard, or make repairs on their home.

“Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack or heroin; and, if today’s children had this kind of drug problem, American would be a better place.

And he concluded by saying, “God bless my parents for drugging me.”

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FREEDOM

When I was a young man I was told a story that does a great job of illustrating just what freedom is and is not. The story goes like this:

A yellow canary sits on its perch in a cage by a window. Its water and seed cups are full. The room in which the canary’s cage is located is kept warm during the winter and cool during the summer. To protect the canary from light and other inconvenience at night, a cover is placed over the cage. With its cage hanging from a ceiling hook, the canary is protected from the house cat. The canary’s every need is anticipated.

Outside the window on a bare branch sits a sparrow. There’s a foot of snow on the ground. The sparrow will have to fly long distances to find the seed and insects necessary to satisfy its hunger. While looking for food it has to watch for feral cats, raccoons and skunks that are also looking for food.

The question is, “Which bird is free?” It very well could be that each time we give someone else responsibility for an aspect of our life we’re loosing a piece of freedom. 

Accept responsibility for your life.

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CASH THE CHECK

A businessman was walking down a sidewalk in New York on his way to work when he saw a homeless man standing against a building. The businessman stopped and took a close look at the homeless man. He recognized him as a high school classmate.

The businessman walked up to the homeless man and asked, “John, is that you?”

“Yes, I’m John. Who are you?”

“I’m Bob Johnson, your buddy from high school. What happened?”  

“Well, I’ve been on a streak of bad luck.”

After a short conversation Bob reached in his jacket, pulled out his checkbook and wrote John a $1,000 check.

John eagerly accepted the check knowing that the $1,000 would give him another chance. John walked over to a nearby bank and entered the lobby. Looking around at the opulent lobby and the well-dressed tellers, John became intimidated and walked out of the bank never cashing the check.

Throughout our lives we are given opportunities. But often we don’t take advantage of them because we don’t believe we deserve the success those opportunities may bring. Take full advantage of all opportunities. Go the distance.

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