I don't think anyone really knows how individual attitudes are developed, probably a mix of genes, experience, and soul memory. My attitude towards money and possessions may be a little different than most. First incident which brought that awareness to me was in high school, about 1948. My sister and I, while in high school were living by ourselves in Manteca, a small town in the San Joaquin Valley.We were living in a little three room house, a front room, bedroom, and kitchen, with walk-through doorways, no doors, half a bath. The little house was at the northern end of town, in a transition area. The structure next to us, on one side was a motel and on the other side a small wooden church. The community and high school was a mix of Portuguese and Italian fanners, most living in the areas surrounding the town, plus an Anglo community, mostly living in what would be considered the city. The town had one high school, one theater, three churches, a grocery store and small stores, such as sport shop, hardware, clothing, and several sandwich shops. I was working at a sandwich shop called Smithys as a "soda jerk" taking orders and delivering orders to the tables, during lunch, after games and on Saturdays, closed Sundays. In addition to the high school crowd and town people, Smithys was also a Grey Hound Bus stop.One day, I went to school, proudly wearing a new navy-blue , plain short sleeve pullover sweater, which I had purchased. One of the city girls, made a comment, which surprised me, "I have seven sweaters just like that." I don't think she meant to be mean. 1 did not take offense. My immediate reaction was why would anyone want seven sweater, exactly the same color? It puzzled me, then and even now, whenpeople seem to want, so much more than they need. Another incident also in high school. I had spent the evening practicing a solo at the home of my accompanist for an upcoming high school talent show. It was late and her father kindly offered to drive me home. The streets were dark with few lights and few sidewalks. I was very grateful for his offer. The family was among the wealthiest family in town. He was a businessman, and they had one of the biggest houses in town with a huge lawn. like a Gone with the Wind southern mansion, plus two Cadillacs parked in front.
The two cars looked exactly alike to me, dark navy and same outline. I really did not know why it mattered. I answered with a question, "Which one are you most comfortable driving? That would be fine with me." He looked at me with a very puzzled expression. When he stopped to drop me off, he leaned out the rolled down the car window, waiting for me to get in. I realize, it must have quite a contrast in living standards to him, but in no way did I feel he looked down on me. Instead, as he said goodbye, there was a soft, gentleness in his eyes, a tenderness, mixed with sincere admiration. It was many years later that I realized, my accompanist's father had expected me to be excited about driving in the latest newest Cadillac, and was genuinely surprised that it did not matter to me.1 still feel the same way. I admire those that succeed and are happy for them, but that is all. Dear ones, this is not to imply that money is not important. I respect money. I am careful how I use it. Money surely makes life smoother, adds dimensions, better health, more opportunties.But my efforts have never been shaped or determined by the potential associated with f inancial gain, instead, involvement and dedication has to be based on purpose. . . an accomplishment, sewing a dress, getting a degree, fixing a car, writing a poem, painting a portrait.The value is not mere ly in working towards achieving a goal, a product, a possession, the value is in the process to accomplish a goal, the change, the skill, the awareness. It is the personal growth. The maturity to handle another task.My life has been a joyful adventure of challenges and lea rning from them. Once the Lord placed HIS hand on me, serving HIS purpose was the goal in whatever activity I've been engaged in.A few years ago, I was invited to tell my life story to a class of 4th graders. The teacher asked me if I had a special song that reflected my personal life philosophy. I quickly, without even thinking deeply about I said, "The Best Things in Life Are Free, " which came out in 1927. The teacher searched it out and printed it for the children, and I sung it to the class.Hopefully you will enjoy the "The Best Things In Life Are Free." Below are the lyrics, links to the sheet music, and with special thanks to Joe Sanchez, who sent three Youtube renditions by well known artists of the 40-50s, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Kate Smith. "The Best Things In Life Are Free" The moon belongs to everyone The flowers in spring And love can come to everyone Sheet music is available online, as is the history of the song. It was first heard in 1927, but was still being sung and popular in the 40-50s. Perhaps it endured because of the great depression of the early 1930s and then the despair of World War II. FRANK SINATRA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v^JzWeUkrah4sBING CROSBY: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKYYvJOcRvc KAY SMITH: https://www.voutube.com/watch?v=ECLAFNNi3J8 Colossians 3: 27: And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. Christmas 2016 Lots of love. Grandma Mimi
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