The Worth of a Human Being

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 30-May-2008 edition

 

The Worth of a Human Being

By Dr James Dobson

 

Once on a family ski trip some years ago, I climbed on the back

of a flatbed truck that shuttled skiers back up the mountain.

Among the 12 or 14 young people there that day was a girl

in her late teens. As she turned to look at me, I saw the

unmistakable look of mental retardation in her eyes.

She began muttering nonsensical phrases, especially the word

“whomever”.

 

Over and over, she repeated that word, “Whomever, whomever”

while staring off into space. I noticed a visible rejection by the others

on the truck. They were mostly young people and they looked

at each other and sneered as if to say, “Who’s the crazy person

we have with us?”

 

Just then, a large man moved in a little closer toward her,

and I realised he was her father. He wrapped his big, loving arms

around her and he said, “Yeah, babe. Whomever.”

 

You see, he’d seen the same reaction of the others, and this

was his way of saying, “It’s true. She’s retarded. We can’t hide that.

She’ll never write books, or become a professional. But I want

to tell you all something: she’s my girl and I love her and I’m not

ashamed of her.”

 

This simple affirmation spoke volumes about the worth, not only

of his daughter, but of every human being on earth. It was

a beautiful thing to behold.

What I Learned Today

What I Learned Today

 

I went in to a short meeting on one of the projects I was involved in, and once again, it was proven: 99% of our time, energy and efforts are directed towards 1% of the things that we are doing.

 

And not without a reason!

 

One single mistake can render null and void all the other 99 things done right.

 

And guess what?

This applies to work life, and in private life just the same.

And many a times making things 100% right will make you unpopular.

 

Tough? So it is if you want to be beyond blame.

 

Unpopular? Yes, but beyond reproach.

 

I’ll give an example to ease up a bit:

Ø       A nurse attending to newborn babies in the hospital is NEVER allowed to drop one single baby.

 

What is your experience?

The Legend of the Taj Mahal

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 29-May-2008 edition

 

The Legend of the Taj Mahal

By Dr James Dobson

 

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful and costly tombs

ever built, but there is a fascinating legend behind its beginnings.

 

In 1629, when the favourite wife of Indian ruler Shah Jahan died,

he ordered a magnificent tomb be built as a memorial to her.

The Shah placed his wife’s casket in the middle of a parcel of land

and construction of the temple literally began around it.

But several years into the venture, the Shah’s grief for his wife

gave way to a passion for the project.

 

One day, while surveying the site, he reportedly stumbled

over a wooden box and he had some workers throw it out.

It was months before he realised that his wife’s casket had been

destroyed. The original purpose for the memorial became lost

in the details of construction.

 

As legends go, this one may or may not be true, but its theme

is a familiar one. How many of us set out to build these great

dream castles, but lose our focus along the way? We realise too late

that it is relationships with our loved ones and our children that

really matter.

 

So, while we’re building our Taj Mahals, let’s not forget the purpose

with which we began.

Comparing Yourself with Others

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 28-May-2008 edition

 

Comparing Yourself with Others

By Dr James Dobson

 

Someone once said: “Comparison is the root of all inferiority”.

How true that is. When you look at another person’s strengths

and compare them to your own weaknesses, there is just no way

to come out feeling good about yourself.

 

I once spoke to a group of teenagers at a conference and

I’ll never forget a question posed by one young man. He asked:

“It seems that everyone has more to offer than I do. I envy guys

who are better-looking, more athletic, or smarter than I am.

How can I deal with my own insecurities?”

 

The problem he was describing is a common one among

young men and women. Even at a young age, our self-images

are shaped by how we stack up against our peers. It’s not

how tall we are that matters – it’s who is the tallest. It’s not

how fast we can run – it’s who runs fastest.

 

Thus begins an adolescent pattern of self-doubt that can become

all-consuming. The answer I gave that young man is one that

many teenagers need to hear: When you pit yourself against

the best and brightest, you are merely setting yourself up

for failure. Mental health begins with an acceptance of life

as it is and a willingness to make the most of the unique

strengths and talents you’ve been given.

Love of the Hand Lotion

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 27-May-2008 edition

 

Love of the Hand Lotion

By Dr James Dobson

 

My friend, Mimi Wilson, tells of a simple experience she once shared

with her daughter Kendra.

 

Kendra was in university at the time, and having a great deal

of trouble in her studies. She was preparing for an important exam

but just couldn’t seem to concentrate.

 

Mimi wanted to help, but her daughter had already surpassed her

academically. So, she took out a bottle of lotion and began rubbing it

into her daughter’s hands, saying: “Kendra, this is my favourite lotion.

Tonight, while you’re studying and during the test tomorrow, when

you find yourself having trouble, just smell your handles and know

that I’ll be thinking of you.”

 

Well, it was just what Kendra needed. Some years later, Mimi was

confiding in Kendra about a very difficult situation in her life.

Kendra reached into her purse, brought out a bottle of lotion,

and began rubbing it into her mother’s hands. Neither one

had to say a word. It was a simple, reassuring gesture of love,

from daughter to mother. But it was all Mimi needed to get through

that trying period.

 

We all go through stressful and challenging times, and when they come,

we need to know that someone is there for us, no matter what.

And that’s what families are all about – bringing hope in times of despair

and strength in times of weakness. And you might find, like Mimi

and Kendra, that a symbol of your love speaks even more loudly

than words when the pressure is on.

Dropping In On A Friend

From FOCUS ON THE FAMILY, Today, 26-May-2008 edition

 

Dropping In On A Friend

By Dr Bill Maier

 

When was the last time you had friends drop in unexpectedly?

For many of us, it has been too long. There was a time when

families made a regular habit of driving over to a friend’s home

for an afternoon of good food and conversation.

 

It was one of life’s special little pleasures. I’ll never forget

the many times as a child I would hear a knock on the door

and scurry to see who was there. The screen would crack open

a few inches and a familiar voice would echo through the halls.

 

“Is anybody home?”

 

Sadly, that kind of intimacy is difficult to achieve in today’s

fast-paced world. The pressures of life have all but destroyed

the sense of community that was once common among families

and friends.

 

We seldom – if ever – drop in on friends unannounced.

And even if we did, they’d probably have to cancel a string

of appointments in order to be with us. Thus, we go about our days,

careening through life, wondering why we don’t have very many

close friendships.

 

Let me encourage you to take some time out of each week

to get together with friends. Reach out to the people in your

neighbourhood. I can’t think of a better way to spend an evening.