Tag: lessons

3 Lessons from 3 Ladies


She missed the ball again. Vanessa was rather bad at it, to be honest. Then again, she had never played before. She was smiling and laughing even when she messed up. It was her first time playing volleyball. She loved trying new things, and I appreciated her lack of self-consciousness. She taught me to go ahead, step in, and try. You don’t have to be great at something to enjoy it.

Lisa had a saying she shared with many. “Do it scared.” If someone talked with her about feeling hesitant to step into a new role, she’d encourage them to “Do it scared”. She taught me that a bit of fear doesn’t have to hold one back. Jump in and press on.

Sarah (not me, obviously) also has a saying. “I’ll feel awkward about this later.” She taught me to do what needs to be done and say what needs to be said even if it makes me feel awkward. This helps me to think of the need and take action.

What lessons have you learned from those around you? What lessons are you teaching others? 

“The one who walks with the wise will become wise…” (Proverbs 13:20a)

“The ultimate purpose of our human relationships is to glorify God. God will use even our most challenging relationships for our good and His glory as He conforms us to the image of Christ.”  – Marissa Henley

A chance to “ride” a longhorn doesn’t come along every day!
Mike: always making life fun and always teaching me things!

25 Years of Lessons

Emphatically I stated that I would never be a nurse. My mom shared enough disgusting stories that I had no desire to enter that field. However, I did want to pursue something that helped people. The joke is on me, because I’ve now been a nurse for 25 years. 

It seems a good time to pause and share how thankful I am for the many who have helped me along the way, from instructors who highlighted the importance of treating each patient as you would treat a beloved family member to experienced ICU nurses who demonstrated the proverb that “calmness lays great errors to rest”. On one of my first days they amazed me by calmly shocking and reviving a patient who went into cardiac arrest. I have learned so much in these last 25 years.

Here are a few of the biggest lessons:

* Each breath is a gift. Say what you need to say to those you love today. Don’t put off spending time together, forgiving someone, or calling someone you’ve been thinking about.

* Don’t take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself, even your mistakes. Yes, learn from them, but then move on.

* Combing a patient’s hair is important work. Simple things like that remind them and us that they are treasured human beings with dignity. 

* Life on earth does not go on forever. You can be prepared for death and not fear it, because Jesus conquered it. He invites each of us to place our trust in Him for eternal life.

* Slow down and take time to notice all the beauty around you. There is so much!

* Stay teachable. There are always more lessons to learn and often they come from unexpected places and unexpected people. 

* A smile is the same in every language.

There are many more lessons I could share, but you get the idea. What have you learned in the past 25 years or so?

“Leave inexperience behind, and you will live; pursue the way of understanding.”

(Proverbs 9:6) 

“Remember: Life is short. Eternity is not. The opportunity to make a difference is now.” 

– Mike Woodruff

A few pics of some of my favorite people to learn from…

Fun moments!
Silly moments.
The best family!