" We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny. But what we put into it is ours. "
---Dag Hammarskjold
I came upon this quote by Hammarskjold, and it started me thinking. I have always believed that our lives are framed a certain way, but I realized at a young age that we can control the way we live within the walls of our destiny. I taught students from dreadful environments at times and watched some of them reach amazing heights. They were determined to become bigger than the destiny that they saw before them, and they worked diligently to succeed.
Destiny doesn't hand us success. I went to college with some very wealthy, spoiled young men and woman, who believed that their fates were sealed. They felt that they didn't need to push themselves to great heights, because those heights were their due. Unfortunately, some of them realized too late that most of us are not fated for a "free ride." Hard work and moral integrity will take you a lot further than daddy's checkbook.
I believe my "frame" was to include a husband and children, but it was my choice of Arthur that affords me my "happily ever after." I realized at nineteen that a good soul who put family above money and helped old ladies across the street was the role model I wanted for my future son. I had to smile several years ago when Michael told me he was late for an appointment because he saw an elderly woman trying to cross a busy Manhattan street. He offered her his arm (like father, like son) and she wouldn't let go. She asked him to walk her to her bus stop and then wait with her until it came. That was what I wanted in my frame.
I believe that my "frame" had me spending my life helping people, but it was my choice to do it as a teacher. This choice allowed me to get up every morning and look forward to going to work. I know that I was destined to find happiness working with teenagers and can only hope that I gave them the education that they gave me. Luckily my "frame" still needs filling, and I intend to fill it with new friends, exciting adventures and hours spent watching my family grow. It is important for all of us to realize what it is that completes us, and strive to make it happen.
Of course reading is a very big part of my picture, and I read two books that helped me enjoy my time this week. One of my favorite authors, David Rosenfelt, came out with his yearly stand alone thriller, Blackout. There is intrigue, police work and just a bit of romance. Although it does not have as much of his dry humor as most of his books, it did not disappoint.
Murder over Miami by Silvia Selfman was an enjoyable cozy mystery to read when I could not fall asleep. Apparently, this is a series that I never noticed before, and I began with book four. I easily caught up with protagonist Izzy Greene and quickly learned to appreciate her style. After immediately relating to what Miami weather does with her frizzy hair, the rest was easy. Light mystery with lots of smiles should help relieve your stress.
As always, complete reviews will follow this blog.
Happy reading,
- Beverly
---Dag Hammarskjold
I came upon this quote by Hammarskjold, and it started me thinking. I have always believed that our lives are framed a certain way, but I realized at a young age that we can control the way we live within the walls of our destiny. I taught students from dreadful environments at times and watched some of them reach amazing heights. They were determined to become bigger than the destiny that they saw before them, and they worked diligently to succeed.
Destiny doesn't hand us success. I went to college with some very wealthy, spoiled young men and woman, who believed that their fates were sealed. They felt that they didn't need to push themselves to great heights, because those heights were their due. Unfortunately, some of them realized too late that most of us are not fated for a "free ride." Hard work and moral integrity will take you a lot further than daddy's checkbook.
I believe my "frame" was to include a husband and children, but it was my choice of Arthur that affords me my "happily ever after." I realized at nineteen that a good soul who put family above money and helped old ladies across the street was the role model I wanted for my future son. I had to smile several years ago when Michael told me he was late for an appointment because he saw an elderly woman trying to cross a busy Manhattan street. He offered her his arm (like father, like son) and she wouldn't let go. She asked him to walk her to her bus stop and then wait with her until it came. That was what I wanted in my frame.
I believe that my "frame" had me spending my life helping people, but it was my choice to do it as a teacher. This choice allowed me to get up every morning and look forward to going to work. I know that I was destined to find happiness working with teenagers and can only hope that I gave them the education that they gave me. Luckily my "frame" still needs filling, and I intend to fill it with new friends, exciting adventures and hours spent watching my family grow. It is important for all of us to realize what it is that completes us, and strive to make it happen.
Of course reading is a very big part of my picture, and I read two books that helped me enjoy my time this week. One of my favorite authors, David Rosenfelt, came out with his yearly stand alone thriller, Blackout. There is intrigue, police work and just a bit of romance. Although it does not have as much of his dry humor as most of his books, it did not disappoint.
Murder over Miami by Silvia Selfman was an enjoyable cozy mystery to read when I could not fall asleep. Apparently, this is a series that I never noticed before, and I began with book four. I easily caught up with protagonist Izzy Greene and quickly learned to appreciate her style. After immediately relating to what Miami weather does with her frizzy hair, the rest was easy. Light mystery with lots of smiles should help relieve your stress.
As always, complete reviews will follow this blog.
Happy reading,
- Beverly
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