I recently overheard a converstion between two people who were talking about parenting. One made the comment that her mother always said, "Do as I say, not as I do." I smiled when I heard this, for who hasn't at one time or another said one thing, but did the exact opposite? None of us are perfect and we are bound to make mistakes.
However, to live by the fallacy that it matters not what we do so long as what we say is correct, is like building a house of cards - it simply doesn't stand up.
When I think of those who have inspired me, those who I admire, and those who I hold up as an example of what kind of person I wish to be, I realize it's not their words, but rather who they are and how they live their lives, which speak the loudest.
When faced with a problem or difficult decision in my life I often think of my parents or my grandparents and consider how they might have handled the situation. Interestingly, before my grandparents passing, and my parents which I am glad I still have with me, well I don't recall ever having any long talks about honesty, integrity or even life in general. We didn't need to, for their actions and their life spoke volumes. Never really a lot of words, but they were and are the people I have learned a great deal from.
I can only imagine the hardships they faced and the courage it took for them to travel sometimes across the country to homestead a modest farm. Even on my best day I could never have endured the long days of back-breaking work which were an everyday part of their lives.
From the unforgiving earth they provided for their family, never asking anything more from life than what he was willing to earn through sweat and sacrifice.
Despite their hardships and endlesss work they were and are good husbands, wives and loving parents. They were and are known for their quick wit and keen sense of humor, and love and laughter filled the home many times. Through a simple farmers life, they were extremely intelligent and keen. They always were ones whose word was truly their bond and whose handshake was as binding as any legal contract.
I need only to look at these folks life - who they were and are and how they live and lived to understand that what we do does matter, and matters most. For words by themselves are hollow indeed and in the absence of action are just plan meaningless.
"Do as I say, not as I do," may get a smile, but little more ........ |
