British politician Sir Winston Churchill knew a thing or two about trying to stay positive in a world at war. Known best for his leadership of the United Kingdom during World War II, Churchill had a lot to say about being a leader in tough times. One of his most powerful quotes came to mind today, as I contemplated how much I sometimes can’t help but hate the messengers who deliver bad news.
“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give,” Churchill once said. I know it’s not their fault, but I don’t like what bearers of bad news have been giving us in recent days.
I was devastated to hear the person with my puppy Weimaraner pal share sad news with other people at the dog park today. Eight-month-old Abby has a rare form of cancer that will likely take her life before she grows into her paws.
I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard about the lockdown that happened at a college campus in the nearby community of Waukesha this afternoon. Apparently a man was seen walking around campus with a gun, which resulted in the lockdown of the surrounding area.
And don’t get me started on the travesty that happened in Boston yesterday. My eyes and heart were glued to the television while one local man shared his perspective on the situation with local newscasters. He crossed the finish line 30 seconds before the blast. He was safe and unharmed, but those 30 seconds might just have saved his life.
On the bright side, Abby has lived and will continue to live even her short life to the fullest. It was discovered that the gun the man was carrying around the campus was actually an airsoft gun and he didn’t intend to harm anyone. I couldn’t find anything positive to think or say about the Boston bombing until I heard that local man share his story. He survived because of 30 seconds. The blink of an eye. What a blessed reminder of how valuable every second of life really is.
Knowing the impact 30 seconds can have inspires me to share the light in my soul with whomever will take it. I love, therefore I blog. With so much bad news out there in the world, I make it a personal goal to bring joy to the lives of others. If someone told me I only had 30 seconds to live, I know exactly what I would do. (We make a life by what we give, after all). I would push aside my general dislike for bearers of bad news and find a way to use that time to make that person smile. That is always time well spent in my book.
Wiley's Wisdom 
Oh, Wiley, you always make my heart sing. Thank you, my dear friend. Best ~ HuntMode
In the blog world, it’s tough to “hear” whether my attempts to make hearts sing are successful…unless people as kind as you comment to let me know. Thank YOU for sharing your song of joy with me today! 🙂
Wow, very inspirational! Your last 30 seconds spent to make someone smile!! I love it! 🙂
Great to see another wonderful post, Wiley!
Great to see another wonderful comment! Thanks so much for reading. 😉
Thirty seconds…the blink of an eye…amazing.
Thank you!!
You’re a treasure Wiley, it’s no wonder you have so many friends and why your Forever Family loves you.
love,
Cally’s Grandma xxx
You might have just inspired an upcoming blog post about finding treasures in unusual places! I feel the same way about everyone who takes the time to read my thoughts and share their feedback with me – you are a treasure to me. Please give all my best to Cally! Love, Wiles
*hugs* I love the picture that’s floating around on the web that say’s “Live like the gate is open”. I contacted several of my friends up north to make sure they were okay. I petted my cats and hugged the other half when I got home yesterday. I want every one of my friends to know I care and love them in their own way. Life is too short to be angry, sad or feel alone. I think the best thing is to spread joy to others and that’s what you are doing by blogging. I wanted to give you the Versatile Blogger award.. I know you have it.. but I wanted to give it to you anyways. *hugs* You can go to my awards page at – http://peacelovenwhiskers.com/about/awards/- to claim it. or you can just share with others. Be the light in the darkness to guide others.
That’s a great idea for a blog entry! I’ve seen that picture on Facebook and it absolutely makes my day! Indeed, life is too short to feel any of those negative things. I am so happy to hear you have unconditional love like that in your life, and love left over to share with others. I find the more love we give the world, the more it somehow finds its way back to us. I will keep this little light shining as long as I have the support from kind and thoughtful readers like yourself! Thank you for the award, by the way. I will save that for one of “those days” when I lack inspiration, as that is inspirational in itself. All my best, Wiles.
You have met your goal a million times over, buddy. Mission accomplished. Bringing smiles. Bringing joy, making sense of the world. Done, done, and done.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
Dear Cupcake,
I can honestly say I’ve come to look forward to seeing what you have to say on my daily posts, almost as one looks forward to talking to a close friend after a long day. Please know you are loved and appreciated in my world. 🙂 All my best, Wiles.
What a lovely post ~ so happy that you do blog! I love to share smiles!
I consider myself so lucky to know others out there who are just as passionate as sharing joy as I am (that would be you)! Thank you for all you do. Shine on!!!
Oh Wiley ~ the feeling is mutual! Big hugs to my favorite posting pup! Shine on like the star you are! xo
Lots of love to you, my friend.
Thank you for your wisdom, Wiley. You made me smile, now this one is for you 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, dear friend! I’m so glad to share the smiles. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
Wise words from Winston Churchill.