“The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.” – William James
We are bombarded on a daily basis with small things that can bring great misery, small things causing worry and pain taking over our lives. Kind of like the ant taking over the molehill!
A few weeks ago I wrote a blog about cheerfulness being an indicator of a wise person. A wise person can laugh off the “small stuff” that can bring us down into a pool of negativity.
Richard Carlson, Ph.D. had summed it up in his book title: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all small stuff”. His premise is that nothing in this world is so important as to cause us to have constant anxiety and suffering.
Besides learning distressing techniques, calming down, and acquiring the art of “chilling out”, the story of the dessert fork can be a great reminder.
Remember the story about the woman terminally ill meeting with her pastor to plan her memorial service? After choosing particular songs and scripture readings, the dying lady had one more request.
“I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.”
She further explained the meaning of this request going back to the many socials and dinners this woman had attended. She always remembered that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, “Keep your fork”, knowing that everyone’s favorite part was coming….velvety chocolate cake or deep dish apple pie!
This lady’s last wish was to remind all who attended her funeral that ….the best is yet to come.
So let us cherish the time we have here on earth and more importantly keep our eyes on the important things, the friendship, love, and joy that will see us through. And P.S. : Keep your fork handy.
Remember the BEST IS YET TO COME.
