Let's begin with truth. There are some things in life we have to accept as truth. For example, you'll never be the richest person in the world, you'll never be the most handsome or most beautiful in the world and you'll never be the smartest person in the world. True? Of course. But let's bring these characteristics down to smaller groups like at work or in your family or in your school or in your church. Now ask yourself, "Who needs it?" If you have a lot of money, it's never enough. If you're going to spend it, how much and for whom? Decisions, decisions! Big responsibilities!
Now let's look at your looks. If you're that good-looking or beautiful, people will always hit on you. That's a big problem. Or these people never look beyond the face and figure and see you for who you really are and what you really are. Some people may shut you out because they think you think you are too good for them. Oh, yes, people are making decisions for you all the time. And so many times they are wrong.
Now let's say you are the smartest. In what area - physics, biology and all the sciences? Will you teach or create? How about government and the law? Will you get involved? For whose benefit - yours or the world's? Here again, we are faced with decisions, decisions.
What I'm trying to do is get you to accept yourself the way you are. Like yourself. Know yourself - your strengths and your weaknesses. If you use your strengths a lot, you will grow stronger. This will help your weaknesses, too. Life is a series of adjustments.
For example, last week was Vacation Bible School at our church. They had the program from 6 to 8 p.m. They needed help. I volunteered. It was fun serving refreshments to students class by class. Would you believe that by Friday we had 95 students, not counting the adults? They loved it! The games were unusual, the Bible studies were very good and the refreshments were yummy! The leadership was fantastic, with Pastor Sixto and his wife, Nancy. Pastor Gage and his wife Mary were in the thick of it and their son John was a professional at providing games. I look at all those great people and they don't measure their talents - they just use them. Where are your hidden talents? We all have them. Use what we have and they will grow! This is exciting.
This week we had a very productive CIAO meeting. We have a new president, Sam Crisanti of Silver Creek, and his officers are efficient. I feel energized like I haven't been in a while. We talked about so many new possibilities we can enjoy in the way of trips, musicals and movies. We are going to revive some old Italian traditions. Look for the CIAO write up by Nancy Ortolano. She's a terrific organizer! Now is the time to either pay our dues or start a new membership.
I don't know about you but I get more energized if I get involved with a variety of activities. These are all volunteer activities. Volunteers are so productive! my definition of a volunteer is "someone who is good for nothing and is so priceless!" Join the fun.
Margaret Valone is a Fredonia resident. Send comments on this column to lifestyles@observertoday.com
