Manners Will Take You Far

My youngest son Josh came home the other night armed with something for his older brother Zachary. I am not exactly sure of the circumstances as to why Josh extended this advice to his big brother (surly it was on the heels of being picked on which is the older brother/younger brother daily drama) but it was certainly something that was memorable.

"Zach Miss Dee Dee says that bad manners will take you no where. But good manners, well Zach they can take you far."

For the entire weekend we had the pleasure of Josh repeating his newly learned pearls of wisdom over and over again. But it was more than just a quote that he had learned from his amazing pre-k teacher, it was how he delivered it that continues to warm my heart this morning. He says it with absolute conviction and he means it. So much so that when he found himself being a little rude to his mom yesterday he caught himself and said sorry and then proceeded to repeat the phrase.

Though the advice likely went in one ear and out the other of his older brother, it wasn't lost on me. It just reminds me that no matter the circumstances, if there are other people around, you should always remember your manners. You just have no idea what doors your politeness might open for you.

Thanks Miss Dee Dee for creating a unbelievable Ripple for Joshua. I can assure you he has taken it to heart as have I. I hope those of you who read this will too!

Ripple On!!!

A Quote To Ponder

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Powerful words from a powerful man.

And for the Ripplers out there that I know that are struggling with various issues....a good reminder to stay the course. The decisions you are making, though difficult at the time, will undoubtedly prove to be the right ones.

Ripple On!!!

Steve

Monday Morning Quote

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who have never know neither victory nor defeat.

-Theodore Rooselvelt

Pretty insightful don't you think?

Quit stopping yourself from what you know you want to do; from what you want to accomplish. Take chances. Play the game. Step up to the podium. Let the world know who you are.

And in doing that....the Ripples will come and they will be abundantly rewarding.

Ripple On!!!

Steve Harper