The Prodigal Son’s Brother

Do you ever feel as though you are doing everything the Lord wants you to do and HE does not seem to notice?

•                     You follow the Ten Commandments.

•                     You strive to live a decent, moral life.

•                     You don’t drink, do drugs, or speak profanity.

•                     You strive to be a good steward of your resources.

•                     You are always generous and helping others.

Yet, you constantly see people who live atrocious, sinful, dreadful lives and appear to be rewarded for it…even blessed?

I have followed the media coverage of celebrities who have made horrible mistakes in their lives, i.e., Tiger Woods, Michael Vick, Robert Downey, Jr. and Lindsey Lohan. More recently are Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber. They are allowed to “come to their senses”, and appear to be celebrated and blessed.

What about those of us who were obedient?  It almost appears that we are being penalized for doing the right thing.

Reflect on Luke 15:11-32 (NIV), the Parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son:

Think about the Prodigal Son’s Brother? He spent his life being obedient to his father. Yet, his younger brother asks for his inheritance so he can go out into the world. His father gives it to him. He leaves to live a life of worldly exploits. He eventually squanders it all. He ends up working in a pig field. He finally comes to his senses and realizes that even his father’s servants live a better life than he does right now in the mud among the swine. He returns home to apologize to his father and agree to be a servant. 

His father sees his approaching and rejoices. The young son tells his father he has sinned against him and does not deserve to be his son. Nevertheless, his father embraces him! He has his servants bring him a robe, a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. He commands that their fattest calf be offered. He orders a feast of celebration.

Needless to say, the older brother is upset and refuses to go to the celebration. When the Father goes to him to ask him to come, he asks him, “Why are you rewarding my younger brother for disobedience? I have been obedient to you the whole time. Yet you never even gave me a young goat or hosted a feast of celebration for me?”

Luke 15:31-32 (NIV) says,“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

How do you keep yourself from feeling bitter like The Prodigal Son’s brother?

A similar instance is revealed when The Lord speaks about the Lost Sheep in Matthew 18:11-14 (NKJV) He says, “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”  

Why would he abandon 99 sheep just to go find one that had strayed? Do you think the 99 sheep were a little upset? 

They may have thought, “Here we are, being obedient, following the Shepherd. Yet, you drop everything to go find that one sheep who has gotten lost. And you rejoice when you find him? What’s up with that?”

What Can We Do To Alleviate our Concerns?  

We must understand a few basic areas of awareness:

The Lord Came to Save the Sinners

We first must understand Matthew 9:13 (KJV) as the Lord proclaimed,“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” 

Jesus would not have had to die on the cross if everyone was already righteous and obedient. He died for the sinners to be forgiven. Just as he stated regarding the Lost Sheep in Matthew 18:11 (KJV),“For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”

I somewhat relate this to being a child and getting jealous that my parents were focused on my sibling’s bad behavior, and didn’t seem to notice my good behavior. Now, with wisdom, I understand that just because they were focused on correcting the bad behavior, and even celebrating when it became good, did not mean that they didn’t notice, appreciate and actually reward my consistent, good behavior.

Stay In Your Own Lane

We must take our focus on what God appears to being doing in others’ lives, and focus on 100% obedience to HIM in your own life.

God has the creation of the heavens and the earth, and our existence on it as part of HIS Divine Master Plan.  It may not make sense to you, but it makes perfect sense to Our Loving Creator.

Romans 8:28 (KJV) states,“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

We must stop trying to “rationalize” things in our minds. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Maintain or Renew Your Faith:

When we question God regarding issues like this, we have to remember what He said in Matthew 17:20 (NIV), "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Hebrews 11:6 (KJV) says,“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. “

We have to TRUST Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) says,“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Your Obedience is NOT going Unnoticed:

The Prodigal Son’s Father told his upset, older son in Luke 15:31(NIV)“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.’ “

He was trying to explain to his son that his obedience is always recognized and will ultimately be rewarded. 

When we are 100% focused on being obedient to God, He sees it.  He reiterates this in Matthew 6:4 (KJV) “… and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” 

Allow GOD to USE You:

The challenge that we face is to stay focused and remain obedient, no matter what we see or hear.  James 4:10 (KJV) states,“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

God has a divine purpose for your life.  Your life does not belong to you. Jesus Christ paid for your life by His crucifixion on the cross. If we would only surrender and humble ourselves, then this would allow God to use us. He is trying to use your quiet obedience as a public testimony to others.

Don’t get angry or frustrated like The Prodigal Son’s Brother. Stay Faithful and Obedient. It is not going unnoticed by God.  The reward will be amazing!

“I’m Coming Out…Huh?”

The latest trend these days is for people to “come out of the closet.”

This is normally a very public announcement regarding reasons such as:

• Declaring sexual orientation or lifestyle choice,
• Admitting addictions: to alcohol, drugs, eating disorders, etc.,
• Admitting indiscretions and bad behavior.

I am often perplexed by this.

WHY do people feel the need to inform the world of these things? Why do people care what the world thinks? Shouldn't we be more concerned about "what GOD thinks?"

GOD already knows our "thoughts and intents of our hearts." HE gave us all free moral will. However, we live in a word where Satan makes us believe we can say and do what we want without any consequences. He makes people believe that the BIBLE does not matter. He has people “thirsty” for bad behavior; extreme antics, and “shock & awe.”

To be a moral, decent, God-fearing, kind, law-abiding-citizen, is looked upon as boring and "uncool."

In the Bible, Romans 12:2 (NKJV) states: 

“And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

It is difficult, with so many influences being dumped on us. Satan uses tools of Hate, Racism, Envy, Sexual Immorality, Profanity, Inappropriate Dress, the Internet, Desire for what others APPEAR to have, and the “All About Me” or “I’m Going To Get Mine” mentality to keep us distracted away from Jesus.

Satan has gotten very savvy, especially during this 21^st Century. He knows where he is ultimately going. He is determined to take as many of us with him as he possibly can. I don’t know about you, but I declare to him,“I’m not going with you, Satan!”

He doesn’t need to scare us any longer with his red horns and tail. His most powerful weapon right now is” to keep us distracted and indifferent.”

People these days “are too busy” and “just don’t have time.” Between going to work; to school; activities; and the desire for MORE – we now neglect our marriages, children, each other…and GOD.  Most of us feel that since it is not ME, it doesn't matter.

So…although I strive to show this in my thoughts, words, and behavior, I will use this opportunity to officially COME OUT…

“I Love Jesus Christ!”

And this I DO want the world to know…

And pray daily that GOD is pleased with me…

“Roses are Red; Violets are Blue…”

Today is traditionally a day that people, from kindergarten children to Seniors, are given notes, candy, flowers and loving expressions typically of “Be My Valentine.”

Although you should tell and show the one you love that YOU LOVE THEM every day, this holiday is a nice time to highlight it.

However, it can typically be a challenging one for people who are single or widowed. Personally, I changed it from being one that, instead of expecting to receive loving gestures, I GIVE them. Instead of feeling sad that I didn’t receive cards, I SEND THEM.

I buy myself my favorite flowers, Stargazer Lilies, and purchase some of my “secret pleasures” – Lindor Truffles. 

Before we can expect someone to show us love, we have to show it to ourselves.

I have finally come to the realization that my most valuable “Valentine” …the only one who loves me unconditionally is JESUS CHRIST. I find peace & contentment in this. 

           Although this is a day for flowers, cards and a special candy treat; 
 Here is wishing you the best of life's triumphs, where the sky and rainbow meet.

                                HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY !!! 

**Please know that if you don't feel loved by anyone else, you are loved by ME!**  

“Can You Stand the Rain?”

(My most personal post yet…)

This is the title of one of my favorite songs by New Edition.  Some of the lyrics are:

On a perfect day

I know that I can count on you

When that's not possible

Tell me, can you weather the storm

Cause I need somebody who will stand by me

Through the good times and bad times

She will always, always be right there

[Chorus:]

Sunny days, everybody loves them

Tell me

Can you stand the rain?
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/newedition/canyoustandtherain.html

For the past year, I have been experiencing some major health challenges. I am not complaining about it. It is what it is. It just happens to be “my storm.” I must weather it.

At the eve of Valentine's Day, I can't help but reflect on having someone who "can stand the rain." I still have hopes and dreams of sharing my life with the right man. Preferably, a man who possesses the following qualities:

First & foremost – I NEED a man who loves God – more than he does me.

I NEED a man who can put on his rain gear, launch his golf-size umbrella; pull me securely under his arm & close to his heart; and gently walk through the” rain” with me.

I NEED someone who means and lives out our wedding vows: “To love, honor, and cherish you; for better or worse; in sickness and in health; forsaking all others; for as long as we both shall live.”

I NEED someone whose eyes look at me, not just physically – but my soul, with love. Someone who always says, “You are beautiful.”

I NEED a man who encourages me professionally, personally, spiritually, and emotionally.

I NEED a man with a healthy sense of humor and makes me smile. J

I NEED someone who appreciates that I am “extremely sentimental.”
I NEED a man that likes me, as is, with all of my quirks and imperfections.

I NEED a man who is Compassionate, Respectful, & Loves Family.

I NEED a man who is Gentle to the Young & Elderly.

BOTTOM-LINE:  I must also focus on being all of this for him.

Bottom-Bottom-Line:  Listen to me...Where is my faith? God ALREADY knows what I need.

Women tend to always focus on finding our “Mr. Right.”  We fail to realize that men are in search of their “Mrs. Right.”

Question to Myself:  Am I her? Am I someone's "Mrs. Right?”

After the rain, comes the rainbow.

I patiently prepare…and wait for it…

“Living a Long Life or a Life Well-Lived…”

“Some people live a long life. Others live a life well-lived.” This was stated by my minister, Bro. David Jones, Jr. during a eulogy he gave recently. It was for a 37-year-old son, father, Christian, and friend to many. He died tragically, overcome by carbon monoxide fumes as he was doing his job as a self-employed carpet cleaner.

With close to 2,000 people in attendance at the funeral, it was obvious that he was a well-loved and admired human being who gave so much of himself to others.

As I reflected on Bro. Jones' words, I realized that many of us never think about our own mortality.

As Christians, we know its God’s Plan for us all to cross the “Finish Line”of this existence, called Death, in order to be with HIM in Heaven for eternity. Satan loves to make us think we are meant to live forever and to fear death.

I have also come to realize that funerals are for those of us who are still here.

Question:  Have you ever wondered what your funeral will look like?

How many people’s lives have you so-positively impacted that they will grieve your absence?

LIFE is truly NOT about:

• How many sales you made;
• How many "friends" you have,
• How many famous people you have met;
• Promotions you earned;
• Raises you received;
• How big & nice your house is,
• New cars you bought;
• Designer purses & clothes you own;
• Performances you gave;
• Hit Songs you sang:
• How much weight you lost;
• Awards you received.

These things are for YOURSELF.

When I see the latest escapades of entertainers like Miley Cyrus or Justin Bieber, I quietly think sadly to myself, “God has blessed them both with talent & exposure to help others. Satan has a grip on them, making them believe they are invincible and their lives are ‘All About Me.’" I pray that we all come to the realization soon that God expects us to use the "gifts" he has given each and everyone of us to GLORIFY HIM and to help others.

What will people say about you? What do you want your legacy to be?
Is your life making a difference or are you just living “the good life?”

Actually…it’s the small things you do that can positively impact other’s lives. Simple, private gestures, include:

• A smile,
• A hug or a pat on the back, 
• A kind word,
• Helping someone to LOL! (Laugh Out Loud),
• Paying for someone’s meal at a restaurant or a drive-through window, 
• Sending someone a greeting card, 
• Stop talking and just LISTEN,
• Praying deeply & deliberately for someone,
• Giving someone a compliment, 
• Holding the door open for someone,
• Giving an elderly or disabled person your seat on a bus or train,
• Anonymously donating to a food bank, mission, or homeless shelter—other than Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Matthew 6:3-4 (NKJV) says that “what charitable deeds you do secretly; God sees secretly and will reward you openly.”

We should change our focus from “impressing man” to “impressing GOD.”

Are you striving to live “a long life or a life well-lived?”…

“Are You Relevant in the 21st Century?”

**This is a position paper I wrote a few years ago, but it is still important today. Just wanted to share. **

The Question

I find myself in total amazement as I look at a calendar. It is 2011. We are a decade and one year into the 21st Century.

This revelation reminds me of a multi-city career fair that I attended that was hosted by University of Phoenix and CareerBuilder called the “Re-Invent Your Future” Tour in Philadelphia, PA in August, 2010. The keynote speaker was Stedman Graham, New York Times best-selling author, educator and businessman, also well-known as the partner of Oprah Winfrey. He challenged the audience with a profound question:

                         “Are You Relevant in the 21st Century?”

What exactly does it mean to be “relevant?” 

Webster defines relevant as “having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at hand.” Synonyms are: Applicable, Pertinent, Relative, Material.¹

Let’s consider these areas:

Are you Relevant?

…As a nation?

…As a company or organization?

…As an individual?

Are You Relevant…As a Nation?

We are The United States of America. We were the SUPER POWER, the absolute best of the best. “Made in America” was a signature of excellence. Our automobile industry was superior. Our education, untouchable. The United States is currently ranked 14th in the world in education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).² We are even ranked 10th in the world as the Happiest Country.³

What went wrong?  Why are we no longer #1?  How did we lose our edge?

Are You Relevant …as a Company or Organization?

2011 began a critical year for our country.  This was the year that over 77.6 million people in the “Baby Boomer” Generation begin to retire.⁴

As a company, are you ready?  

• Do you have a succession plan in place? 
• Have you been grooming individuals to replace them?
• Have you upgraded your systems and processes?
• Do you understand Cloud Technology?  Are you utilizing Social Media?
• Have you gauged industry trends?  Have you asked your customer base to see if your products and services are still useful to them?  
• Are you in touch with your employees?  Are they committed to your vision and mission – or are they looking to leave you?

Do you know?

Are You Relevant…as an Individual?

Many people have been traumatized by this economic crisis we are experiencing.  Individuals who have worked in companies for 20 years have gotten laid off, and are now discovering that the skills they had at the former job are no longer RELEVANT.  

They became top executives working their way up the corporate ladder with only a High School Diploma and hard work.

Yet, they are now being informed that, although they have a wealth of experience, a college degree and savvy computer skills are necessary.

• Have you evaluated your skills?  Have you upgraded them?
• Do you have the education you need?  Are you current with modern technology?
• Are you current with Social Media?  – such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Blackberry; IPhone; IPad; Skype, Kindle, Nook….
• Do you know the current economic and business trends?
• Do you read daily to stay informed?

Our economy is now Global.   Are You??

Thus, the next, compelling question is:

What Can We Do?

As a Nation:

We have to take education as seriously as the rest of the world.  Our archaic education system based on an Agriculture/Farming necessity is obsolete. 

We must have a major overhaul. 

"The 21st century isn't coming; it's already here.... Public schools must prepare our young people to understand and address global issues, and educators must re-examine their teaching strategies and curriculum so that all students can thrive in this global and interdependent society." ⁵

Students in the highest-ranking countries begin their formal education as young as 2 years old.  They attend school 12-16 hours a day, oftentimes 6 days a week….YEAR ROUND.

We have to regain our level of excellence in what we make and produce to once again proclaim “Made in America” has value. We cannot even rest on the notion of being the 10th Happiest Country in the world.  

We must realign with the values that were proclaimed in the Declaration of Independence:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” ⁶

As a Company or Organization:

We must start TODAY mentoring and training employees to back-fill the jobs of the rapidly- retiring, millions of Baby Boomers.

We must get back to the basics of asking our employees and our clients, “How are we doing? Are you satisfied with the products and services we are providing you?”

We must embrace and implement change, not only locally, but globally.

We have to gather, assimilate, and implement information faster.

We have to embrace technology.  With the power of the Internet, your business can expand beyond our borders to elevate you as a global player in the business arena.

And finally….

As an Individual:

You must “change the way you think” and learn how to process information more efficiently. You must do your own self-assessment or seek one professionally by a career counselor, mentor or coach. Go back to school to earn your education. With the enormous popularity of the convenience of ONLINE Education, you can do this in less time than many traditional schools. Learn modern technology – Texting, Smartphones, and Social Media. READ MORE. Be informed by global news shows like CNN. 

"The illiterate of the 21st Century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." – Alvin Toffler

At the end of the day…..we all have to ask ourselves the question…

Are You Relevant in the 21st Century??

Are You???

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Citations:

1        Relevant.(n.d.). In Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary (11th ed.). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relevant

2        Shepherd, J.(2007). World education rankings: which country does best at reading, maths and science? Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2010/dec/07/world-education-rankings-maths-science-reading

3        Helman, C. (2011). USA Ranked 10th Happiest Country in the world. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/2011/01/19/norway-denmark-finland-business-washington-world-happiest-countries.html

4        What are the Baby Boomer Statistics? Baby Boomers Generation Retrieved April 24, 2011, from http://www.boomersweb.net/Baby-Boomers-Statistics.htm

5        Aronowitz, S. (2010). 21st Century Skills: Evidence, Relevance, and Effectiveness. The   Journal. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/04/08/21st-century-skills- evidence-relevance-and-effectiveness.aspx

  6       Declaration of Independence. (n.d.) In US History. Retrieved April 24, 2011, from http://www.ushistory.org/DECLARATION/document/index.htm

“Searching for Ranch Dressing”

I woke up at 3:35 a.m. one morning, highly annoyed. It all stemmed from a vivid dream I had. It went something like this:

I am sitting at one of the front-row, reserved tables at an elegant luncheon. I am here to receive the coveted Distinguished Service Award in the presence of approximately 1,000 individuals and dignitaries.

I am dressed in a crisp linen, khaki pants suit, with a springtime floral blouse, and comfortable but fashionable, 3-inch, burgundy heels.

As I sit at my table, alone, before the guests arrive, I decide to proceed with eating my salad, which has been pre-set on the beautifully, decorated tables. I don’t like to speak immediately after eating.

Placed in front of me is a very eye-pleasing salad. It has mixed greens, grape tomatoes, multi-colored peppers, cucumbers, mushrooms and a sprinkling of pine nuts. I love colorful food!

I bless my food, and reach for the salad dressing. I have a strong desire for Ranch Dressing. I see a silver dressing container, but at first glance, it appears to have only a smidgen of Ranch Dressing in it.  Another container has Balsamic Vinaigrette. Although I like Balsamic, my taste buds are dead-set on Ranch Dressing.

I politely ask the waiter for more Ranch Dressing, preferably Low-Fat or Lite.

He says he will oblige. After about 5 minutes, I am growing slowly anxious. I want to eat my salad so I can enjoy it and be nicely digested before the attendees arrive.  I like plenty of dressing on my salad. 

I stop another waiter and ask him for my Ranch Dressing. He apologizes for the tardiness of the other waiter, and moves with a sense of urgency to fulfill my request.

Another 5 minutes pass, and still…no Ranch Dressing. Needless to say, anticipation and a tad bit of nervousness begin to kick in. My patience is wearing thin. 

I ever so subtly go to the back service area door, waiting for the next waiter or the manager to appear.  After about 5 minutes, the Service Manager comes out. With extreme patience and bridled irritation, I explain to the manager my dilemma.

I tell him that I am an Award Recipient that has requested twice simply for some Ranch Dressing, preferably Low-Fat or Lite.

He apologizes profusely and insists that he will bring it to my table himself. I return quietly to my seat, pleased that my salad dressing issue has been resolved. I quietly concentrate on my acceptance speech.

However, another 5 minutes pass, and still…no Ranch Dressing. My irritation has exceeded my patience limit. I quietly, but sternly go back to the Service Door again. 

After a few moments of no-one-coming-out, I enter. 

Having to do this much unnecessary walking in heels was yet another source of my growing aggravation. I proceed down a semi-dimmed hallway to the service kitchen. I stand there in amazement! 

There are approximately 75 servers, all doing their jobs serving the audience what appears to be a very lovely, delectable meal. Nevertheless, one of them cannot simply 

bring me my requested Ranch Dressing??

I approach the first 5 servers. They look shocked!  Their faces reflect a response of “What is a guest doing back here?!!”

I simply ask, in as calm and non-annoyed voice as I can possibly muster,“May I please have some Ranch Dressing, preferably Low-Fat or Lite?”

No one responds. They all look at me, somewhat confused.  I state my request again, a bit more firmly this time, “I would like some Ranch Dressing, Please?!”

Still no response. I then notice that they are all Hispanic. Finally, one meek gentleman says,“No Hablo Inglés.”

I am now at to the end of my patience point. I announce, somewhat loudly, "Does anyone here speak English?!”

Abruptly, the Service Manager, whom I had been waiting for 10 minutes ago, steps out of his office to see what the commotion is all about.  He approaches me with a very embarrassed, red face. “Madame, may I help you?”

I state, “Uhm, like you were supposed to have helped me 10 minutes ago by bringing me my Ranch Dressing?!”

He states, “My humble apologies…I had delegated that task to be taken care of.” 

“Well, it has not been!” I shouted, uncontrollably upset at this point. “I am an Award Recipient!  I simply requested Ranch Dressing so that I could eat my salad before the ceremony! Is this too much to ask?!”

Although the Service Manager tries to immediately get the Ranch Dressing himself and calm me down, he is too late. I am so frustrated, that I storm out and trudge back down that long corridor, feet beginning to get a little achy, fuming! 

Oh, well….I finally compose myself and take a deep breathe…..the salad will just have to wait. I have an Award to receive!

As I near the Service Door, I hear the Master of Ceremonies, say:

"Her kindness, patience and tireless efforts in our community make this award most fitting. I am honored this afternoon to present the Distinguished Service Award to Janette McGowen!! “(APPLAUSE) “Unfortunately, Janette McGowen was here earlier, but had to leave. I gladly accept this award on her behalf.  Thank you all for your attendance and make it a great afternoon.”

I just stand there at that door…in complete shock!

I am too embarrassed and humiliated to go in until I see that all of the attendees have left the dining room. I quietly return to my table. My complete meal, including dessert is still there, patiently waiting for me. I sit down, put the napkin in my lap, bless my food again, and reach for the dressing that is at the table.

Sitting right in front of me… is a new, silver cup full of Ranch Dressing. 

Uhm…maybe even Balsamic Vinaigrette would have been fine after all….

Thought to Consider:  How many times have we been so obsessed with getting the “Ranch Dressing” in our lives that we:

•                     Ignore that there was a small portion already at the table that may have been enough?

•                     Dismiss the alternatives that we are presented with?

•                     Disrespect others to get what we want when we want it?

•                     Allow our impatience to result in our missing the important matters in our lives?

Note to Self:  “It’s just Ranch Dressing….” J