Simpler Times

If you are around 50 years old and see the condition of the world today, do you ever wish you could go back to a time when life was simpler and much safer. The time when you could walk down the streets alone, at night, and not have to fear for your safety.
There was a time in our recent past when you did not have to get to the airport 2 hours early so they could search your luggage and your person and the vast majority of our citizens were honest and trustworthy. I remember unlocked doors, windows open at night and "you can stay outside until the street lights come on."
The erosion in our traditional values has caused all of us in the older generation to wonder where we are headed as a nation.
Joe D Ward wrote "If I Could Go Back," some of his recollections include: What I would like to do today is go back to the farm to Mother and Dad's house and greet them as always, but this time it would be different.
"I would place my hands on their shoulders and look them in the eye and say, "I love you, I respect you and I appreciate the way you raised me. You taught me right from wrong, what a family is supposed to be, and what makes character in a person. You taught me that everyone is important and not to be critical of people because there are things I don't know about which causes them to act the way they do. You taught me loyalty, responsibility, honor, integrity, honesty and you worked to build those character traits into my life.
The most important thing of all you taught me that there is a God, that He loves me, and how important He is in my life."
When I have time to think about what Joe Ward said I think about the people in our country who rip others off, steal, and take advantage of the misfortune of others. These people did not have parents who taught them values, real values, like kindness, love and compassion.
A good example for a trait that is taught by parents and continues to help you in life is:
“Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable”.
This is simple politeness, a good work ethic and will continue to help you throughout life in all situations!
Some other things that I've learned are:
I've learned...That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned...That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned...That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned...That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned...That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned...That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned...That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned...That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned...That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned...That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned...That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned...That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned.... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.