Post by Rhonda on Nov 1, 2008 21:58:31 GMT -5
FACE VALUE
Ted Engstrom in HIGH PERFORMANCE (Here's Life Publishers, 1988) tells
the story of a trusted advisor of President Abraham Lincoln who
recommended a candidate for Lincoln's cabinet. Lincoln declined and
when asked why, he said, "I don't like the man's face."
"But the poor man is not responsible for his face," his advisor
insisted.
"Every man over forty is responsible for his face," Lincoln replied,
and the prospect was considered no more.
That makes me want to look into a mirror! It's always been a comfort
to me that I am BEHIND my face. I can look at something else.
Lincoln, of course, was referring to the man's expression and
disposition rather than his features. And I believe that we do bear
some responsibility here.
If our faces convey the thoughts and attitudes nurtured in our minds,
then we are responsible for our faces. And we are responsible for how
we will "face" each day.
One woman reported that she had just paid for some purchases when she
heard the cashier say something. Not understanding, she asked her to
repeat it. "I said have a happy day," the cashier snapped. "Are you
deaf?" Here is a person who seems to be unaware of how she is facing
others.
Earl Nightingale put it like this: "Our attitude is something we can
control. We can establish our attitude each morning when we start our
day. In fact, we do just that whether we realize it or not."
And that's the point, isn't it? If I realize that I am already
choosing my attitudes every day, I can make better choices. If I
realize that I am already choosing my face, I can put on different
face.
If I face the day with a little more hope and confidence, more
generosity and love, I'll be happier for it. And who knows? Maybe a
modern day Lincoln will say he likes my face.
-- Steve Goodier
__________
P.S. CELEBRITY QUIP
Laughter is an instant vacation. -- Milton Berle
Ted Engstrom in HIGH PERFORMANCE (Here's Life Publishers, 1988) tells
the story of a trusted advisor of President Abraham Lincoln who
recommended a candidate for Lincoln's cabinet. Lincoln declined and
when asked why, he said, "I don't like the man's face."
"But the poor man is not responsible for his face," his advisor
insisted.
"Every man over forty is responsible for his face," Lincoln replied,
and the prospect was considered no more.
That makes me want to look into a mirror! It's always been a comfort
to me that I am BEHIND my face. I can look at something else.
Lincoln, of course, was referring to the man's expression and
disposition rather than his features. And I believe that we do bear
some responsibility here.
If our faces convey the thoughts and attitudes nurtured in our minds,
then we are responsible for our faces. And we are responsible for how
we will "face" each day.
One woman reported that she had just paid for some purchases when she
heard the cashier say something. Not understanding, she asked her to
repeat it. "I said have a happy day," the cashier snapped. "Are you
deaf?" Here is a person who seems to be unaware of how she is facing
others.
Earl Nightingale put it like this: "Our attitude is something we can
control. We can establish our attitude each morning when we start our
day. In fact, we do just that whether we realize it or not."
And that's the point, isn't it? If I realize that I am already
choosing my attitudes every day, I can make better choices. If I
realize that I am already choosing my face, I can put on different
face.
If I face the day with a little more hope and confidence, more
generosity and love, I'll be happier for it. And who knows? Maybe a
modern day Lincoln will say he likes my face.
-- Steve Goodier
__________
P.S. CELEBRITY QUIP
Laughter is an instant vacation. -- Milton Berle