Lessons Learned

In 1993, my brother David gave my parents a calender for Christmas called "Live & Learn & Pass It On". At that time, I wrote down some of the snippets of wisdom contained in it. Here are a few.

I've learned that nothing of value comes without effort.
- Age 64

I've learned that nothing very bad or very good ever lasts for very long.
- Age 66

I've learned that days are long, but life is short.
- Age 88

I've learned that goldfish don't like Jello.
- Age 5

I've learned that kindness is more important than perfection.
- Age 70

I've learned that the only time I want to sleep is when I can't.
- Age 29

I've learned that you shouldn't confuse a black crayon with a Tootsie Roll.
- Age 10

I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they're doing and wave back.
- Age 9

When I was 21, I wrote this:

I've learned that I haven't learned enough.

Now at 32, almost 33, I think that statement still applies. Sure, I've learned some new things, grown in different ways and had many life changing experiences since I wrote that. I got married. I've had 4 children. I've had several different church callings. We've bought and sold one house and then bought another. I've owned 3 different cars. I gained and lost some weight, but I still don't have enough of life figured out to consider myself wise. I think that's a good thing. One thing the Church is always encouraging us to do is to never stop learning. We should constantly be seeking out knowledge and ways to better our self. I'm trying. So, I'm going to revise my statement from 12 years ago just a little bit.

I've learned that I haven't learned enough, but I'm never going to stop trying. I'm grateful for all of the experiences that I've had. Whether I've had good days or bad ones, I've learned something from them all.
- Age 32 (almost 33)

If you want, tell me something that you've learned. Be sure to include your age to give us all an idea of where your perspective is coming from, and something to make fun of you for later.