While out looking at houses, it happened AGAIN. It was another rock flying out of nowhere and popping my windshield. I wasn't even driving behind a gravel truck this time. These pot shots at my windshield of my SUV are getting annoying. They can stay as little pebble size dings or as you see in this picture, with temperature changes, can spread as a crack all across the window. Definitely spoiling your view! And giving more business to the Auto Glass Replacement companies.
I've come to expect these dings in life. John F. Kennedy Jr. said, "in life, we all take our hits." Just like these unexpected rocks that come flying out of nowhere, DON'T LET THEM SPOIL YOUR VIEW.
You need to have patience.
I think this comes with getting older, but just think of all the rocks that hit you. An unexpected illness. A financial problem. Family concerns. A new ache or pain. A nagging wife or irresponsible husband. A kid that just won't behave. What is important in life is your "reaction" to your circumstances. Norman Vincent Peale, father of positive thinking, said only dead people don't have problems. You can control your thoughts, and your "reaction" to your environment. Create the best environment possible, but be aware of that which you have no control over, and let it go.
That way, in life, as in driving down the highway, you'll learn to enjoy the view (despite the rocks). And oh what a view!!
Great post, so look ahead and get ready for your adventure.
You have a good outlook on things. I had a hairline crack in my windshield that is starting to grow. I realize that things could be worse.
Gary~What you just stated is so very, very true. I think that's why I keep coming back to read your blog because you share posts that really remind us of those things in life that shouldn't be taken so seriously. I say this to my children all the time and I hope that by the time they become adults it really settles in their mind. I recall all too often in life, years ago taking way too many things so seriously that I missed the whole beat of the drum and the words in the song because I was too busy dwelling on the little thing. Oh how far we come.
Gary, I've learned to just live w/ the dings...literally! I had just replaced two one day when a dump truck gave me another one. I now have 3 and I choose to display them proudly as battle scars from being in the field each and every day. (meaning, I just haven't gotten around to having the whole windshield replaced which is what it's likely going to take at this point)
I had that happen to me when I lived in kentucky. Fortunately, Kentucky has a law which requires the Auto Insurance companies to replace Windshield at 100% cost regardless of the deductible.
Sean Allen
Renee: Life is one big adventure, enjoy the journey!
Leon: Great perspective about things can always be worse.
Julie: Your children have a very wise Mom. I always appreciate all your kind words.
Andrew: I love those plastic windshields. Great idea.
Colleen: I love that expression battle scars. You are hardened by combat. Maybe I need to put that in a listing presentation to show experience. Have potential sellers look at the dings in my windshield? You are getting my creative juices flowing. That's when I am most dangerous! LOL
Sean & Pilar: What a great law in Kentucky to keep clean windshields.
Hi Gary,
I'm in agreemenmt with you. It seems like one looks at things a little differently with maturity.
Gary,
One of my favourite sayings is by a friend of mine. He said 'if the universe decides to pull the rug out from under me, I'll have no choice but to just float.' I always think of his saying whenever a rock hits the windshield of my life, and at those times, I 'just float'.
I believe these rocks are sent to test and strengthen us.
((-:
Jo
Lisa: Great perspective, that it is just a windshield. When you step back things always could be worse. You can handle the dings given to you. Just take a deep breath and move on.
Lynda: I had heard that maturity angle from someone older than me that she said I don't get nearly as "ruffled" with all this as I did 20 years ago. Glad you're a calm one now too.
Jesse & Kathy: Burrs under the saddle? You must have Texas roots in Fairbanks. LOL.
Latonia: Also, the things with kids is they go through stages, so you are right, patience is the key with those rocks.
Teri: I had a Honda too, and I think being lower to the ground with the way the windshield was sloped it got hit with pebbles and rocks a lot too. On SUVs they just bounce up high off the road and hit you. That windshield replacement is necessary when you get the big crack but it is such a nuisance.
Jo: I love that floating effect. Kind of like defying gravity. Rocks do help us grow and learn another lesson in life if we pay attention, you are right.
Vanessa: I can just see you on a roller coaster. I know you're screaming. Let it out. It makes you feel better along with the laughing!
Lisa: That's funny about all the little dings. They add up, and to me are annoying, but you just have to live with them. Men get really annoyed on a brand new vehicle with a parking lot dent or that first rock in the windshield.
This is such a great way to look at things. Oftentimes people get mired down by things they cannot control.
I bought a 1990 S10 brand new. 5 years later I had a rock put a ding in my window. I had read some where that clear fingernail polish will seal the crack and stop it from speading. So I applied it to the window. I applied the polish twice a year.
I gave the truck to my mom about 5 years ago. I was going to give it away about 5 years ago but my Mom said she would take. Always nice to have a beat up truck for hauling stuff in. She still applies the polish on that window twice/year and the ding that started out the size of a penny has only grown to the size of a quarter in 12-13 years.
The polish seals it, does not hide it though. Stops it from fragmenting across the entire windshield.
To realte to your point though. I found a saying years ago. Its been in my office ever since. The only author I could find says "Danish Proverb"- Life is not holding a good hand, Life is playing a poor hand well.
Gita: Knowing what we can control and not control leads to serenity.
Rich: Fighting things you cannot control is so exhausting.
Chad: Great tip with the fingernail polish. I like the Danish proverb.
Andrew: Oh, no windshield. I get it. Kind of tough at high speeds LOL.
Gary - I just can't figure out how I missed those gorgeous mountains here in Fort Worth! LOL Great post! You always have such a postive outlook. You're a pleasure to read.
Linda Scanlan
Hey Gary,
Sometimes we just seem to drive into things that we don't see, but sometimes I feel like I read this sign and believed it.
You didn't put that up to trick me did you?
Linda: Aren't those the Davis Mountains out there to the west of Ft. Worth? I hope you are doing well. You inspired me in an earlier blog a few days ago. Check it out.
Don: Great sign. Obviously an anti-soccer fan!
Carole: I'll take a pebble over a rock any day!
Lynn: Potholes are a good analogy too. Always messing up my wheel alignment!
Marc: Great point on actions. Take control and make things happen on your end.
Kathy: I agree that sometimes we react differently at different moments.
Vanessa: Ah, someone who is thrilled by roller coasters. Enjoy the ride. Cool!
Gary-
I, too, keep the glass people in business. Right now BOTH of my vehicles are in need of new front windshields (for the 2nd time!!) UGH!
Live good. Be happy.
-Mimi
Sarah: I hate how those dings spread into the huge cracks at inopportune times. Kind of like deferred maintenance we counsel sellers on all the time. You're just hoping it stays a little ding.
Mimi: You must be a road warrior veteran, out in the trenches. This is good though (except for the windshield).
Joan: Going around the big rocks sometimes is the best plan (if we can), like avoiding potholes.
Hello coach-Didn't want the day to go by without wishing you a Happy Valentines Day. Been working all day but this has been the best Valentines ever for me. Sometime down the road I'll be sharing that but for now you will just have to wonder LOL. BTW coach I did leave you a comment on the one you left me with your Valentines wish but I don't know that you circled back and saw it. Coach I am a female version of YOU. That ought to scare you. LOL P.S. I don't two time BTW. You are the only coach not to worry. Gotta go coach. What ever happens in the future never doubt you will always be special to me. Yes, I know it's not morning but I figured it was the thought that counted. (((((((((HUG))))))))))))))))))
Hi Pat: Wow, thanks for the flowers. I will circle back to your side and see what else you had to say. Hope it was a good Valentine's Day for you.