Pete and I

I have a good friend named Pete. This post is really just a salute to him. He has taught me so many valuable lessons. Here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve learned:

1. Don’t worry. There really isn’t a point to worrying. It wastes time and energy and hardly ever brings about positive outcomes. Life is life. Life is going to happen, and you know what? When you try your best and recognize everyone else is doing the same – things have a way of working out. And if they go south…guess what? Migration happens. The ducks always come home.

2. Have fun. Life is meant to be enJOYed. Even the Lord has said so; “and men are that they might have joy.” This doesn’t mean that we devote all our efforts towards the seeking of pleasure. It means we learn to enjoy life as it happens. I have experienced happiness in so many different situations in life – it is almost always possible. It’s all about your mindset (hint: if you are applying lesson #1, it’s much easier to experience #2).

3. Happiness multiplies with company. One of my favorite things to do is curl up and read a book. Alone. It makes me happy. But when I reflect on the goodness of life, it’s not those times when I was alone that I cherish most. It’s the family reunions, the late night discussions with my best friends, and the crazy moments I’ve shared with so many others. Pete understands this well. He is defined by the others around him. Without them, life loses meaning. Working hard to build and maintain relationships will bring the joy talked about in #2 – no matter what the situation.

4. Time is relative. It’s a funny thing to me to watch people that are in a hurry. Why do they do the things they do? It doesn’t make much sense to me. Why speed around, get cranky when people are late, or sacrifice enjoyment for completion? Things work out. We only have time now – it won’t exist for the rest of eternity. So really, time is what you make of it. I’m not advocating inconsiderateness (showing up late for commitments and other things of that nature), I’m just saying that we can create our own time schedule for things – or just let it play out as it will. Pete knows the value in this. He decided long ago that he wanted to retain the exuberance of his youth, and has succeeded quite well.

So Pete, thanks for the life lessons. I salute you for defying the norm and challenging the ideals of society. That we all may be groundbreaking pioneers such as you is my hope.