We all know of people and events that can illustrate this lesson. In my life, I think that in most instances I did reap what I sowed. I was raised by loving parents who instilled in me a belief in doing my best, honesty, integrity and treating others with kindness and compassion. My life's story would have been much different if I had not been successful in school. A job in a coal mine was never on my radar as a career, but many of my school mates ended up there.
I was a conscientious student in school and university and always worked hard trying to be a good teacher. Ultimately, I became a principal, a superintendent, and retired with a reasonable pension. In addition, I have enjoyed global travel for all of my life and experienced many different countries and cultures. I have been blessed with a rich, eventful life.
It caused me a brief moment of objection when I heard second-hand that a colleague had suggested that I had sure been lucky in my life! While there may have been a tiny element of luck involved, I think I reaped what I had sown. Hard work had led to one success after another. I was able to travel because I had saved money, planned for the trips and taken the plunge. We lived overseas for ten years not because we had won a lotto, but because we had done our homework and taken a chance that many others could not or would not take. I think that I sowed the seeds of any successes that I might have experienced. (With a ready acknowledgement that my wife Darlene was also an integral influence and supporter)
It is far easier to look for someone to blame for the fact that we have not all achieved our dreams. It is far more productive to examine our own efforts and decisions and see if perhaps we had needed to work harder or make better choices.
It is also important to remember that planting the seed is only the first step. The seed must then be tended to, nurtured, and watered if the final product is ever to be harvested. It is not just a one-step process!
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