It was my first year of school and I could not wait to arrive. I had no idea about what it would be like. All I knew about school was what I heard from my sister and brother. They said that I would enjoy school and it would be fun. To prepare us for our first day, Mama made my sister and me beautiful pinafore dresses. As we headed down the long dirt road toward the little block church where the Basin Elementary School was held, my little heart was pounding with anticipation. I was so anxious to arrive I could hardly stand it. There were lots of children from all over the county. I could not help but notice that some of the boys were tall and big and looked like pulp wood cutters. Finally, we registered and I met my teacher and received my seat assignment. It was Friday, but come Monday, school would officially start: real school.
Just like my brother and sister said, school was great. The first few weeks we sailed right along, learning our ABCs, as they were called in the forties and fifties. Our books were secondhand from the white schools after they finished with them. Whatever the condition of the books, we received them. One afternoon before we went home, the teacher announced that we would receive our books the next day. Excitement went through the roof. For children like us living in the country, every new experience was exciting. Therefore, getting my own book was a happy experience. I could hardly rest that night. The next day, I stepped off the bus and dashed into the school, sat at my desk, and waited for devotion to be over so I could receive my book. Soon, the excitement was gone and my eyes were filled with tears. When the teacher finished giving the books out, there were none left for me. She said that I would have to wait. I waited and waited but did not receive a book. I spent the day looking over other students’ shoulders learning how to read Dick and Jane. That was the day I learned that life would have its ups and downs, and I would have to be strong.
I could spend this whole blog telling you about the ebb and flow in my life, but that is not the intent of this blog. The intent of today’s blog is to help you to understand that there are many hard things that happen in one’s life. No matter how hard the start, the finish must be strong. Paul said in Philippians 3:13 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”
Remembering is easier than forgetting. Our minds are built to recall. They don’t differentiate; they just remember and recall. It is up to us to exercise our mind so it will grow. Working to rid ourselves of those things which we do not need will give you the capacity to grow. If getting rid of something includes talking it over with someone, do that and move forward. Developing yourself for future implementation is important. A clear mind is a gold mine.
As you began to look over your life, begin to think about those things stopping you from moving forward and intentionally work toward eliminating them. Filling your mind with healthy, good thoughts is a good goal. Think about where you are going, not where you have been. By doing this, you will soon see a healthier you.
Today’s thought:
A GOOD MIND IS A GOLD MINE
Recommended Book
Seeds of Greatness by Dennis Waitley
