QUOTESGRAM
I saw a poem this week that made me think about how many people whine and complain. I know complaining is in our human nature, but I truly believe that sometimes, people simply need to adjust their perspective in order to see things more clearly. After all, if you don't like something, instead of complaining, do something about it. If you can't do anything about a circumstance, what you can do is change your attitude.
This short and succinct poem by Red Foley puts both small and large complaints into perspective.
When I Whine by Red Foley
Today upon a bus, I saw
A lovely maid with golden hair;
I envied her - she seemed so gay
And oh, I wished I were so fair...
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle,
She had one foot and wore a crutch,
But as she passed, a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I have two feet - the world is mine.
And when I stopped to buy some sweets,
The lad who served me had such charm;
He seemed to radiate good cheer,
His manner was so kind
and warm.
I said, "It's nice to deal with you,
Such courtesy I
seldom find."
He turned and said, "Oh, thank you, sir!"
And I saw that he was blind.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I have two eyes - the world is mine.
Then, when walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue.
He stood and watched the others play;
It seemed he knew not what to do,
I stopped a moment, then I said:
"Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word, And then I knew;
He could not hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine;
I have two ears - the world is mine.
With feet to take me where I'd go,
With eyes to see the sunset's glow,
With ears to hear what I should know:
I'm blessed indeed, The world is mine;
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
Who is Red Foley? Clyde Julian Red Foley (1910-1968) was a musician, singer, and radio and television personality. He was also the father-in-law of Pat Boone. To read more about him, click on this link:
https://countrymusichalloffame.org/artist/red-foley/
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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Twitter @dederittman
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