17th March 2024
For many generations before the twentieth century, the standard procedure for developing skilled craftsmen was for the father to teach the sons his trade. The skills necessary for the craft were passed from one generation to another.
Many years ago, a shoemaker was teaching his three-year-old son his craft to prepare him for life. One day an awl fell from the shoemaker’s table and tragically put out the eye of his three-year-old son.
Without the medical knowledge and expertise of today, the son ended up losing not only that eye but the other one as well.
His father put him in a special school for people without sight.
At that time, they were taught to read by using large carved wooden blocks. The blocks were clumsy, awkward to handle, and required a considerable amount of time to learn. The shoemaker’s son, however, was not content only to learn to read. He knew there must be an easier, better way.
Over the years, he devised a new reading system for people who were blind by punching dots into paper. To accomplish his objective, the shoemaker’s son used the same awl that had blinded him. His name was Louis Braille.
The saying is still true: “It’s not what happens to you; it’s how you handle what happens to you that counts.”
I love what President Reagan said about his first term in office: “Since I came to the White House I got two hearing aids, a colon operation, skin cancer, a prostate operation, and I was shot.” He paused. “I’ve never felt better in my life.”
I believe you will agree that attitude will propel you farther than bemoaning unfortunate incidents in your life.
Take the advice of Helen Keller, who said, “If the outlook is not good, try the up look. It’s always good.
Give it a try this Sunday & stay blessed forever.