InspireMail No 113 - July 16, 2007

Happy is the person who knows what to remember of the past, what to enjoy in the present and what to plan for in the future.
Arnold H. Glasgow

InspirEmail No 113 - July 16, 2007
'Inspirational messages to refresh the spirit and boost the emotional bank account'

The Seasons of Life

There was an Indian Chief who had four sons and he wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, the third in summer and the youngest son in the autumn.

A year later and when they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the pear tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.

The second son said no, the pear tree was covered with green buds and full of promise.

The third son disagreed; he said the pear tree was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son disagreed with all of them; he said the pear tree was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfilment.

The Indian Chief then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He then told them that they cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy and
love that come from life can only be measured in the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's winter, you will no doubt miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer and the fulfilment of your autumn.

Author Unknown

Many thanks to my good friend Dave Boufford for sending this story to me. You can visit Dave's website at ... Mr Positive >>>

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July's Featured Inspiration

Hoo Hoo Fraks

My grandson Josh is a train freak. 'Thomas the Train' is his favourite toy. He has several of the other toy engines featured on the show as well. In the weeks leading up to his fourth birthday, when I came home from work, he would meet me at the door and . . . read the full story >>>

The Waitress

I did not know until I married my wife that most waitresses only receive about $2.00 per hour. In addition, they pay 8% of all food sales in taxes even if they do not receive a tip. That means if a party of six orders a meal costing $100.00 and they do not leave a tip, the serving waitress still owes $8.00 in taxes.

I have met many waitresses throughout the years. Most are good at what they do; then again, there are some who are very bad.

There is one waitress who outshines any I have ever met. Her job is very important to her. However, more important to her is the fact that her customers always come first . . . Always.

There have been times when I have actually seen her almost in a gallop, running down isles to get customers their food while it is still hot. I have seen her argue with the cooks if the plate and food do not look presentable. Many of her customers are amazed that she can remember their names, and what they drank the last time they visited the restaurant.

I have watched her as she walked behind the waitress station, crouched down and rubbed the calves of her legs because they hurt so badly.

I have seen her hold her composure and smile when some patrons have treated her with undeserved disrespect. I have seen her smile as she cleaned up a table after receiving only a dollar tip and after serving a table of eight people a six-course meal. I have seen her down on her hands and knees cleaning up food people allowed their children to throw beneath the table. I have seen her nearly cry when one drunken male customer said, 'What can I get from you if I give you a five dollar tip.'

Yesterday I went to the trophy shop and I purchased a large plaque. I had it engraved with the following:

'A special thanks for your many years of excellent service, and for the pride that you have taken in your work as a waitress. It is very much appreciated. '

John Q. Public

I took the plaque home to be given to the waitress the next time I saw her. About 10:00 p.m. - my wife came home from work. She'd had a very long day and she was almost crying because her hips, legs and feet hurt so badly. I ran a warm bath and rubbed her feet as she lay in the tub close to tears. After she had dried and dressed for bed, with much pride I handed her the plaque, which I had purchased earlier that day.

My wife is without a doubt, the most wonderful, kind, considerate and thoughtful server I have ever known.

Written by Roger Dean Kiser

To read more stories from The Life and Times of Roger Dean Kiser, please visit his website ... Roger Dean Kiser >>>