I have heard many times that events are put before us to test our resolve. I am not sure that is a true statement after all these years. Life can be very random and how we deal with it is the test. But to be a licensed plumber, electrician, truck drive, garbage truck driver, and many other professions, you need to take a test.  You have to pass that particular test. Yet, to be the President, a senator, or member of the house, you do not need any certification at all. All you need is enough folks to think you are worthy of the task. Or maybe a good ole boy that will follow everyone else. But, there are times that do indeed test your resolve. Your actions and reactions give folks out there the opportunity to decide just what type of person you are. There are times, these are mis-read on a huge scale.
I realize that when I stand there with a twinkle in my eye folks know I am about to create some mischief. My eyes do indeed give me away in that respect. I have even been told that my eyes are saying too much. I did indeed try walking around with my eyes shut, but it became quite a problem. I kept bumping into things. When I was a teenager, one of my aunts commented that I had “bedroom eyes”.  I looked into the mirror, and I just could not figure that out. There is much about a person that gives out clues to their personality. How they dress. How they stand and walk. How their body carries their soul. And of course, there are many times that others mis-read these little clues.

Life has presented me with many opportunities to prove I am basically an honest person. Many folks have given me the keys to their camp and left for the winter. They gave me a to-do list knowing that when they came back all would be done and done right. There is quite a level of trust here. Yet, there have been times I was surprised by others. One of the best examples of this is when I was doing work for a relative who lived quite a distance away. They had a long list of small things they wanted done. This was most definitely a bunch of easy tasks for me. One day we were in their wood shop, and I noticed an old clock in the corner. It had accumulated a lot of dust. I asked that person what was the story with the clock. They mentioned it didn’t work and I could have it as a thanks for doing stuff for them.  When I left for the day, I forgot the clock. The next day when we stopped for lunch, I put the clock in my car. As I was carrying it out, I saw them sitting at their table and showed them I was taking the clock.
When I went in for lunch, they were very upset with me for stealing the clock. But, yesterday you gave me the clock. If I had truly wanted to steal it, I would not have held it up to show you I had the clock. I would also have taken the clock when you were not looking. It puzzled me why he would think I was stealing.
Another event was when I was helping an elderly lady. She had a problem with the bathroom sink drain. I was laying on the floor to fix the drain. I had to move a couple of old coffee cans that contained quite a variety of bent nails.  I had to move those cans. The job was done, and I came home. Upon my arrival home, she called me and accused me of stealing her nails. My question was “why would I steal two cans of bent nails”.  But she insisted I took them.  I went back to find her nails. When I went into the bathroom, there were the nails right behind the door. One could not see them when the door was open. But, it puzzled me more, why would she think I was stealing from her.
I have even had locals accuse me of stealing from that Museum when I was the curator. And yet, the article was still there if they went by to look.
Now, I know my eyes tell stories about me, but I wondered what was telling folks I was a thief. After quite a few years and other events, I realized the problem was not mine. People harbor distrust from an early age. They had others in their lives that did them an injustice. So, their first reaction was as a result of that event. They had the need to catch someone and confront them with the deed.
A measure of our character is how we react to their misinterpretation of that event. It is so important that we view our daily lives with a warm heart and a very open mind. Only by keeping our heart, soul and mind on the center line, will we grow to our fullest potential. There is no end to that potential if one desires to seek out their true worth.  So, I encourage all you folks, no matter the age, seek and you will find. This little saying will carry you in many directions.     Ken White COB

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