Tuesday, October 4, 2005

Tuesday thoughts

When I was in high school and college, I worked every summer as a lifeguard at a waterpark with those huge waterslides, it was called "Crystal Lake".  There was a man that worked there named George he was an older man that always seemed to be working, he was the fix it man, and always carried an oil can, fixing gates, oiling chains.  His hands always reminded me of a mechanic.  Some of the girls called him a dirty old man.  But he did make sure the rides were safe and those who rode these rides could thank him for that.

Seems every day we encounter people whose lives creak with many problems.  In these cases we have two choices, either to aggravate their problems with criticism or try to oil their lives with a good spirit.

I think about all the people I know, family and friends, and people at work.  Some carry unbearable burdens and long for the oil of a sympathetic word.   Others are defeated and feel like giving up.  Just one drop of encouragement could restore their hope.  Still others are just mean.  I'm sorry Mike if I havn't been like the tinman and keeping you oiled.  Sometimes I get so caught up in the "what if's" that I forget about the now.  I wish for you new hope.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Derek, from what you described, it sounded like you must have grown up here in northern Illinois. There is a village west of here called Crystal Lake and they were well known for having a water park in the early to mid-70's. However that park is now gone. Mostly due to safety concerns and of course the advancements of these new water parks that seem to be going up all over, particular in Gurnee, Illinois at Six Flags Great America.

Still thinking of Mike during this trying time. Let me know if you need any oil.

Steve

Anonymous said...

Derek,
If you haven't yet read "The First Five People You'll Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom, you absolutely must go out and get it! I thought of the book as soon as i began reading your entry. I balled my eyes out when I read it, but it was a really good cry, not a sad one. I think you would enjoy it based on old George.
Maryanne
http://journals.aol.com/globetrotter2u/Myfeelingsarereal/

Anonymous said...

Derek, this is very true.  It is so easy to glide through life, without paying attention to what is needed here and there.  And sometimes, what is needed is so simple that we don't even think of it.  Maybe it's just a smile.  A friendly hello.  A patient ear for five minutes of our time.  Little things.  But they can mean alot.  Thanks for the reminder.  tina

Anonymous said...

I always admire the guys (and gals) who silently keep things fixed, clean, working, etc.  They appreciate a "thank you" once in a while.  And they have great stories to share when you take a smoke break with them.

xo, Russ

Anonymous said...

Okay I hear Crystal lake and my mind goes to Michael Myers...

Anyhoo...Great entry! In my profession, this is one of the staples I try to instill in the staff...DONT IGNORE GOOD BEHAVIOR...give that much need oil, and to remember when we need it? There will be those around willing. Life has a way of consuming us and we just ingest ingest...low and behold we look down and say Hey where that belly come from?
At least you stopped and saw...not many do!
Peace
Jodi

Anonymous said...

What a lovely entry Derek; filled with compassion.
Tilly x
http://journals.aol.co.uk/tillysweetchops/Adventuresofadesperatelyfathouse/