19th August, 2023
The late William Arthur Ward is one of my favourite writers. His insights and ability to put a philosophy of life into a few words were truly remarkable.
Here is a sample from his book ‘Reward Yourself’
A man phoned his physician and excitedly explained: “Please come at once, Doctor. My son has swallowed my fountain pen.”
The doctor replied, “I’ll be right over. But what are you doing in the meanwhile?”
“Using a pencil,” answered the father.
What we do “in the meanwhile” is of vital importance to our lives—and to the lives of others.
What we do with our leisure time can build our character or destroy it. It came make our fortune or mar it.
While we wait for a traffic light to change, we can curse the traffic, feel irritated or enjoy a melody.
While we wait for an elevator, we can be grateful for the elevator or curse the waiting.
While we drive or ride to work, we can affirmatively and joyously meditate on that which is true, pure, lovely, and positive.
While we perform other tasks that require less than our complete attention, we can sing, whistle, or hum the tunes of great songs and hymns that inevitably make life more beautiful for us and for our fellow human beings or feel dejected on having to do the menial work.
While we sit in the waiting room of our physician or dentist, we can thank God for dedicated professional people, and we can pray for those patients who might be anxious, fearful, despondent, or in pain.
While waiting for a business appointment, you can run your meeting in your mind & think of the positive outcome or curse for the wasted minutes waiting for the meeting.
What we do with our golden “in the meanwhile” moments can enrich and inspire, encourage and uplift, bless and brighten our world or destroy it with negative thoughts & outcomes.
This choice is yours, use your “In the meanwhile moments” to feel grateful, be kind, be happy or to curse & wonder why you always have to wait.
Enjoy your “In the meanwhile moments” to truly enjoy life and stay blessed forever.