A sunday special for you

They LOL at my expense

Yesterday I experienced one of the most hilarious things in my life. You probably would have laughed yourself to tears if you saw me. Really you would…here goes
It was lunch time so I decided I needed to do something to relax. What did I do? I went to the barber to get a trim. My regular barber told me he would be at the shop by the time I got there so I went expecting to see him of course.

When I arrived at the barber shop, much to my disappointment, he was no where in sight. Hesitantly, I decided to try with one of the other barbers. About 5 minutes into the process the power went. Yes the electricity went and it suddenly started raining. Actual it was more like thunderstorms. The entire island was under a flash flood watch and so we were warned about sudden changes in the weather.

About an hour earlier in the day the sun was scorching hot, the day looked so bright and lovely. But now here I was saddled to the barber’s chair; neatly shaved and with one side of my head hairless; rather queer looking.
I decided to wait a while because if I were to leave, I would need to return at some point to complete my trim.
My office was about 15 minutes away, but with the rains it could take me 25 minutes or more.
So I waited and waited, then waited a little more and the electricity just never returned.
What was I going to do? I thought to myself.

If I returned to the office like this I know my co-workers would have a field day laughing at my hair. If I stayed, I could end up spending the entire afternoon at the barber shop without the electricity returning. But I had a cap in the car that I could use to cover up and further more it was raining. That would make the prefect excuse why I was wearing a cap in the office. So I decided to leave and drive back to my office.

As I drove into the car park and secured a parking spot all the way to the far end of the car park, the barber called to say the electricity had just returned. Oh gosh! What a day?

Well, I came back to the office and they all had a good laugh at my expense. I wanted to make somebody’s day and I think I did just that.

Have you ever been told that you are miserable?

After reading the below you might want to either change your ways or ask the person to withdraw the statement, because this is what they are saying about you:


· Wretched
· Causing or accompanied by great discomfort or distress
· Mean or shameful; contemptible
· Wretchedly inadequate
· measly, miserable, pitiful, pitiable, pathetic

1. Not nice: wretched, miserable, annoying
2. unfortunate: unblessed, luckless, hapless, poor, wretched, forlorn, undone, unhappy
3. unhappy: to be pitied, pitiable, poor
4. melancholic: forlorn, miserable, broken up, wretched, unrelieved, refusing comfort, disconsolate

When we look into the meaning of some especially negative words, we will become very cautious in our utterances.

25 days old father

Whether first timers or seasoned parents, all parents have interesting experiences with their little bundle of joy. Wow! Today I am 25 days old, not in age but as a father. Already I have started seeing some of my strengths and what could be considered some of my shortcomings.

Made to feel incompetent

In what was one of my earliest and first experiences in holding our one day old son, Joshua, I recall it was at the hospital where the nurse remarked how weird I looked holding the infant. She went on to suggest that for a BIG man I held the child rather clumsy. I must admit I felt bad.

I thought for a moment about the things people say when they have already mastered some thing that others are learning to cope with or handle and are just not quite there yet.In my research regarding a book I want to write about fathers, I will take a brief look at some of the reasons so many of our fathers are missing from the family equation. It is a book that will consider, among other things, the psychological and emotional impact the father’s ‘presence’ or absence has on the child’s development.

Reflecting on how absorbing the past 25 days has been, I was now beginning to ask myself, whether this was one of the early and first reasons why some men run away. I am not certain of all the experiences of my fellow fathers, but to be able to hold the baby so he can feel comfortable is a challenge. I have oftentimes wondered too how many men are made to feel incompetent, even for the first few days, when they attempt to hold and comfort their crying child.

There are other challenges too which cause us first time fathers to feel we basically can do nothing right when a young child enters the home.

Real men don’t go into hiding

Men who become scared and feel they are not wining in their attempts to be a father naturally goes into hiding. This of course, combined with the conflicts which exist between some couples. Some men may even deny the truth of it all. Just like Adam hid himself when he was found wanting, men today are prone to repeat this ever prevalent feat if they do not catch up with themselves.

As for the mothers, one of the main purposes of the woman’s breast is to provide the warm and cozy comfort that the child so often needs.As for me, with just under a month’s experience I can do my bit. I give our son a good hug and take him for a walk, dance with him or play him something soothing on the flute or the piano. Anyone of these usually helps to calm him and send him off to get some desperately needed sleep.

Her friends dumped her

During our recent pregnancy, one of the recurring complaints of my wife was the fact that she felt like her friends had abandoned her. I tried to discount her concerns, but then I too admittedly, know the value of precious friendships, the kind that brings more color to our lives and so I had to come to her rescue on more than one occasions. I sought to explained to her that if she felt like her friends had forsaken her then she should give them a call and let them know how much she was longing to see and hear from them. Of course, this was not the approached she favored.

So she spent the next few days alone moping and then nose-dived into her pool of self pity. I would once again use the opportunity to explain that if she made the call then it would help to make her feel a lot better. At least twice I called a few of her friends and asked how is it that they had dumped her. Of course they explained how busy they were between their jobs, school and family, but her good friends usually call or take a trip over to the house. I know there are those who will think I should not try to find solutions as some women prefer when their men sympathize or empathized rather than attempt to fix all their problems. Well, that’s just not me. After the emotional experience then we need plausible and suitable solutions to our problems or whatever bothers us.

In most parts of Jamaica, stopping by a friend’s house unannounced is a common practice; which almost can be considered a part of our culture. We like to hang out and lyme or just pass by for a quick hello.

The fact is, we all at some point in our lives feel as though we are alone, left to face our challenges and the storms of life like an island on the sea; a phase in our lives when we believe that our friends are just never there when we needed them most. Jesus had a similar encounter during his Garden of Gethsemane experience.

I am reminded to make a phone call especially when I am aware that a friend, a colleague, a family member, a church brethren or just an associate may be having a challenging time, regardless of whether they are struggling or suffering by their own demise. We all do need a word of encouragement or just a kind reminding that someone else cares; someone else is cheering us on.

Why do things have to come to an end?

Why do things have to come to an end?

I am not sure, I don’t know why

What if they lasted forever?

Well…We just might not want that either



If the good never comes to an end

Then what happens to evil?

Is it that good and bad would reign together at the same time?

If wisdom never comes to an end

Then what happens to foolishness?



If the greatest and happiest times of our lives never come to an end

Then so too might our troubles and trials never end

Whether we believe it is the right or wrong timing,

Right or wrong relationship, right or wrong move

Why do things have to come to an end?



I am really not sure why, but maybe if they didn’t

We wouldn’t have new and refreshing beginnings, or new seasons

Perhaps we would lose the opportunity and joy of starting something different,

Something which also climaxes with exhilarating joy then comes to an end

Left Hanging

With one lovers leap, I was swept off my feet
Wondering, wandering along,
Like a cold and lonely kitten I cried,
Yet to embraced your love, God knows I’ve tried
Left hanging, feeling incomplete, feeling like a kite in the wind

My dreams I chased
Though the turmoil I faced
From my youth I desired the melody of the flute
Great aspirations wrapped in shattered hopes, expels my breath
Now each sun set finds me with silent regrets
Left hanging, feeling incomplete, like a child without his toy
I was robbed of my joy

You promise not promise what you have promised
Now I am without it and emptied of that promise
You never call, you never texted
Oh! If you could hear the groaning of a heart so vexed
Left hanging, feeling incomplete, pushed aside like broken vase

Now I stand alone fully unsatisfied
For with every broken promise,
Every unfulfilled dream, my emptiness deepens, like a chasm
Waiting, longing to be loved, to achieve
For you to deliver
So many starts and few little ends
Left hanging, feeling incomplete…

$The Price you PAY$

By J.D. Gordon

1. 
   
   If you believe the cost of an education is exorbitant, then consider the price you pay to learn some of the crucial lessons life teaches.
2. 
   If it seems painstakingly difficult to achieve unity then consider the price you pay for not working together as one body.
3. 
   If you believe loving is difficult, consider the price you pay for falling in love with the wrong person.
4. 
   If you find it difficult to exercise a little patience, consider the price you pay for your impatience.
5. 
   If the cost of being caring and thoughtful to your fellow man is too burdensome for you, then consider the price of loneliness and inconsideration
6. 
   If the sweat of achieving your goals and dreams are much too much, then consider the price of feeling like your life has been a total failure
7. 
   If you think that slavery has been abolished, over and done with, then you must consider the price we are still paying for being shackled by our own minds
8. 
   Even though you may think that some persons are just not worth talking to because of their shortcomings and you are better off without them, please consider the price they pay for not having you in their life
9. 
   If you think it is expensive to dial seven digits just to say ‘Hi’, then consider the price you pay for not spending time with those who matters most to you and it is now to late
10. 
    If you believe it is too time consuming to eat right and exercise, then consider the price of regaining your health once you have mishandled it
11. 
    And if you still believe there is not much to do with your life and you can do what ever, whenever; then, consider my friend, the price you will pay when the Giver of life calls for your life account.
12. 
    We all go through life craving things and stuff, but not just for the sake of having them; We like the feeling of owning or possessing certain things. We like the attention it brings to us and our own feelings of accomplishment and security. Whatever the reason, what is certain is that we want a house, a car, an education for the benefits and the experience they bring. We crave a certain experience, be it emotional, spiritual or intellectual. But, oh the price we pay.

Making Every Minute Count

How often do you tell yourself you are going to do something and just never got around to doing it?

It is a well known fact that procrastinators do not get as much done, which usually means they have less money and more stress. But this isn’t true for only procrastinators but for those who have to live or work with them too. Think of how much more difficult your life is at times because you have to deal with people who are either not dependable or who just keep procrastinating.

Life is like a passing wind and so we have to grab what we can and share as we go along. There really isn’t much time for “if only” and “I’ll do it tomorrow”

A very integral part of the process of making every minute counts is having a good knowledge of where your time goes. The same is true for managing your time and the same is true for managing your money. Know where your efforts are going. But how does this help? Well firstly, it will help you to make meaningful changes and to redirect your life onto your preferred path.

My first son, Joshua was born on August 21, 2008. Now I am faced with the challenge of trying to fit in what I do into his time. Not the other way around of fitting him into my regular schedule. By taking this approach I have already established where my priority lies and better yet, I have recognized the value of making every minute counts in my child’s life.

These are some of the stuff I tell people in order to help them to make every minute counts:

Don’t just say what you are going to do – JUST DO IT!

Conduct a time audit to determine how you spend each 24 hour. (Evaluation of an entire week is quite meaningful)

Making every minute counts is a habit, just like wasting time is.

When the fear of the consequences of not doing something outweighs your fear of the consequence of doing it, then you will do it. But either way that kind of fear is unhealthy. Fear cripples us and so we act like slaves. Not free to act as we would like, rather as we feared. God never made us to be driven by fear. So do away with your fears and act out of love and wisdom.

A lot of your success throughout your short time here on earth will depend on your ability to organize yourself, knowing when to delegate and when to say no and of course possessing the discipline and commitment to make it all happen.

Some things you will just not find favor in doing. But, even those unpleasant tasks are moments that are to be treasured as they are also times of learning.

When we make every minute counts, we will not only add life to our years but years to our lives. We become rejuvenated and refreshed knowing we are living our dream and making a difference in the lives of those we meet and even those we may never meet face to face.

LIFE

It took me all my thirty years to realize that I don't have to understand everything in life.

Copy right (c) 2007 J.D. Gordon. All rights reserve

Shackled by the mind

Shackled by the Mind - The Story of the Red Rooster
By JD Gordon

Copy right (2007) J.D. Gordon All rights reserved

One day I captured a red domestic fowl
Who was always free to be
Never knew bondage, never knew restraint
But here he was, shackled, not free

This beautiful red feather bird
Had been around for my growing days
Was the last of its sort
But he surely knew glory days

By the tie of a cord, a law or a curse,
On only one leg
He was now married to a tree
This bird that once was free

Many days had passed
Then, he was finally unfastened
Told many times to roam
He never budged, just stood there all alone

For in his mind he was still not free
And oh, he reminded me so much of me
For though my hands and feet were loosed
I was still held by the roost

Rebellions, bloodsheds and grief
Woeful Pain, rusted fetters and agony,
Battered, shattered and left to die
Not a beast, but a Slave was I

Eighteen thirty and eight
I was emancipated, this date
Free to walk, free to talk, free to live
I must now be set free again

For my mind is still held captive
Bound by prejudice, pride and injustice
From the evil shackles, I must flee

For though emancipated, I am still not free

Summertime

Summer time, the perfect time for a picnic and a trip to the beach. Even if just in thought, you know you are there whenever you hear the summer breeze whispering ‘relaxation’ in your ear.

 

The summer heat leaves us with but few options.

Caged inside the four walls and the sweating boys and girls usually lead to a time of relief either at the river or at the beach.

 

SUMMER-TIME JAMAICA is a fantastic time. I recall days spent travelling by foot to pick mangoes and to then cool ourselves off in a new by river or beach.

 

 

 

 

The Path before us - Retirement

The Path before us – Retirement
By J.D. Gordon
Copy right © 2008. All rights reserved.


The path before us is filled with hope
Hope for better and in spite of the challenges
We know with God, we can cope

The path before us is decorated with the colours of our dreams
We ingeniously shape and frame it
The dark paths, with our lights we must lit

Some people plan to retire
And others retire to plan
I have written some thoughts which could make a poem, a speech or a song

Retirement puts us in full control
So we get to be the manager of our own time,
All the time, and for the rest of our time to come

No longer will Corporate breathe down your neck;
You can now relax and breathe fresh life into your hobbies.
Yes! Now you can throw out the clock, or kill the cock

The path before us is now the path you are taking
Every day will bring with it a new cake for baking
A new sketch for painting
Fresh earth for planting
And a new reason for waking

With retirement you are not being shoved off the stage,
You now get to sit back and watch
Watch your role being played by someone else.
It is times like these which bring the greatest fulfillment, for you now know for sure; surely you have made your mark.

Butterfly

Where are you?

Where are you butterfly?
You are not quite a bird
Not quite the music we have heard

You are not flower, nor butter
You are not worm, moth nor a fly
You are a mixture of butter and fly
You butter my garden, so splendidly

Flap! flap!, your wings
Melody to my heart sings
Your move and grooves
Soothe and butter my hooves

Butterfly Kiss
I never want to miss
The drops of honey
Upon my lips

I can now dance
At least one more chance
Like diamonds to girl
Butterfly you bring life to my world

Beauty

Beauty is 10% what you see and 90% of how it makes you feel.

Copy right (c) 2008 J.D. Gordon. All rights reserved

Today – Yet another day

Today as I celebrate yet another birthday
My heart is filled with gratitude for what the Lord has done.
It is persons like you who have made it possible for me to celebrate yet another one

Many today regret having been born
Many today regret others being born.
I’m thankful you have not found yourself in either category.

Yet another day, yet another opportunity to mold something new
Yet another day, yet another time,
Another hour, God and yourself to be true

On my birthday, I always purchase a gift for my mother.
After all, that day is a commemoration of the incredible gift of life that she gave me.
Yet another day to be me

Children and forgiveness

It is not that children easily forgive, they know no alternative but to remain kind, caring and friendly. Teach them otherwise and they may opt for it.
Copy right (c) 2008 J.D. gordon All rights reserved

Fat-her Day?

Dad, daddy, dada
Pa, pappy, papa
Old man or father
They are all the same

You whose effort goes unnoticed
Who not just only ‘Fat her’
This is for you and about you
Cause even grown men need their dad too

In my little world you are my hero,
You are my champion
And so I call you Dad.
Happy father’s day

Staying in the process

I do not know what you are going through right now, but I know God can help.
One of my most profound lessons over the past week has been about patience.
Honestly, no one likes to wait, but this was how I discharged some of my weight.

1. I learnt that being patient benefits me more than anyone else. – It protects me
2. 
   If I stay on the production line I will become complete – Just complete the process
3. 
   If I jump off the production line and abort the process I could become useless.
   
4. A part of being patient is learning to accept things sometimes for what it is worth
   
   You are able to get through this too. You thought last year was rough and now this. But this too shall pass. It is only a season, a phase. You must stay in and learn your lessons well, I know you will win.

When no one hears but you

(Is this your desperate cry?)


When no one hears the song of my heart but you
For you know my heart and the things I go through
You know the melody of my song
And you whisper in my ear, “It won’t be long”

When no one hears the song of my heart but you
Who then can judge whether or not I am true
For those who dance to its tune are not many
For the hearers are only but a few

Oh I wish they could hear
Through all the hooting, chanting and shouting
With all this hullabaloo
All they ask is, “How are you?”

But no one knows the song of my heart like you do
You know its dynamics, quietness and nuances
You even sing the parts with me
And we sway together like the wind and the tree

I cannot stand the loneliness
My heart longs to express
I wait patiently to lie on thy breast
Only there will I ever find sweet rest

When no one hears the song of my heart but you
A world of sadness without you
I shall stay by your side, where from the ills I can hide
In your presence always, right there, we sing together

The place where I am free
And I find my life again
Oh the bliss, with chorus on my lips
Yes! I find me, I find me, I find me in you