With my reverse wired brain leave it up to me to see a completely different lesson in the Federal bailout of banks and lending institutions.
Life Is ALL About Second Chances.
While the example in this case is not of the most noble, think about our whole spectrum of life. Who would not like a second chance to get it right financially in business, with averting a life threatening illness, to patch up a relationship or begin anew with a new one? I think we all in life, like those fresh and clean sheets of paper to start marking down on them the new story. Toss the old story out the window.
We seem to have this infinite capacity to mess up. We can only draw hope from being given second chances. Even the God of the universe is an entire story of second chances. Think of the Jonah and the whale story. Now THERE was a reluctant servant that got a second chance to do his mission right. I never could figure out why the whale didn't just digest him, end of story.
You've got to look at adoptions of children and pets as equally great second chance stories.
So take heart with the craziness going around you some days in the world, and perhaps even in your own life. Maybe second chances are what life is all about. Today's disaster is setting the stage for something better. It's only a matter of time till you find out. Always keep hope alive. And I'll take that little doggie in the window, thank you very much!!
May You Always Receive A Second Chance
Gary... this is exactly the perspective I would have expected from you. Everyone deserves a second chance... but I'm not sure I'm up for adopting a rabid pit bull. :)
Jesse and Colleen: I said the bailout was probably not a good example, however here's my twist. Let's euthanize the rabid pit bull then we'll have a nice new empty crate to go to the pet store and get a new: Cat??? LOL. A new beginning nevertheless!!
EXCELLENT blog Gary! We can ether get stressed out about this or we can find the positive in it and move forward. Learn from our mistakes!
Brooke
Gary - I love the picture of the puppy, and I agree that everyone deserves a second chance, I'll take that doggie in the window too!!!
Thank goodness for second chances! Most second chances are where we find happiness.
Even pitbulls deserve a second chance :-) Lok at the success story with Michael Vicks dogs. My life has been all about 2nd chances and sometimes 3rd a 4th. Thanks for reminding me to keep it all in perspective.
Gary: I wtinessed one of those great second chances today. Went to a party for a family that wanted to introduce their newly adopted granddaughter. She was adopted from Russia, and had some health issues. The Russians handling their end of the adoption actually asked the parents to be, "Are you sure you want her? She may not live?" Three months here in the US she is thriving! Her health is improving and she looks like she will be fine. Talk about a second chance!
On occassion in my life I have needed more than second chances----probably even when I didn't deserve them.
You are the greatest optimist Gary!! How much is that doggie in the window????
Gary, were you at my church today? I've now heard this message twice, always take note when something is said to you 2 or 3 times, right?
So true Gary, life IS all about second chances, thanks for reminding me :)
I have always believed in Second Chances Gary, nobody is perfect and its all about learning from our mistakes and striving to be better of the game of life. Thanks for the 80s song too :)
GARY, I just got my cable back yesterday and now I know what Missy was talking about. I think it was better when I was in the dark. Your message is a nice breathe of fresh air from everything I've seen and heard.
AMEN to second chances! Now...the important thing is to make the most of the second chances we are given. I like the way your brain is wired. GBU, Gary!
Gary-I think people deserve second chances as well. Where would the children of Israel be if God had not given them a second and third and fourth, etc. chance? Good blog.
Gary
Wonderful perspective. My problem is I am a sucker for pets...used to not be that way . Two more stray kittens "adopted" me this month. Oh well it must have been meant to be.
Hi Brooke: I vote for positive and move forward : )
Sharon: I thought an adoption illustration went well with the second chance. I see you have a soft heart too. I knew that about you!!
Sherry: Second chances are everywhere and third and fourth too.
Pat: Your commentary is getting more profound and outstanding each time you write. Thank you so much not only about God giving us second chances and forgiveness but also about triumphing over cancer. Miracles do happen!! I wrote a post awhile back that I have the smartest commenters here and you are proving me right again. : )
Cindy: All right. The pit bulls get a second chance thanks to you : )
Chris Ann: What a great story of thriving on the second chance. See, you just have to give it some time. Wonderful story.
Charles: You make an EXCELLENT point about not even deserving a second chance. That's what they call grace. Amazing stuff that most people don't grasp. Charles, my man, you have FOUND it!! They even wrote a song about it.
Cathy: For adoption purposes all they ask is you buy some dog food to take home with it : )
Richard: Pride has to be swallowed but I agree with another chance a "fantastic finish" may be in store at the end of the road. And then what happens?? JOY!!! What a deal!
Hi Missy: I was sitting in the row behind you at church in Ann Arbor. There must be something to this message if you're hearing it again. Take it to heart and be reminded of it in life.
Kara: You are welcome.
Justin: Good point about our human imperfection. The more the need to try again.
Marchel: I can see where that ignorance is bliss without the cable. Glad you are connected again. But second chances help out when things didn't go right the first time round.
Elizabeth: Making the most of second chances is a great thought. Glad you appreciate that I see things backwards.
Laura: Those early day people of Israel were so stubborn, and always doing their own thing.
Trey: We're going to have to call your place the secondary Animal Shelter of College Station pretty soon Trey. What a kind heart!!
Pam: That is such a fun song. Your kids are so lucky to have you as a MOM : ) Now you can add the moral of the story about how wonderful it is to have second chances in life, to get them yourself or to give them to an adopted puppy or another person!!
Pat: The check's in the mail : ) But seriously, you not only help me with your thoughts but everyone else too who reads it. You have great depth in you and it comes across loud and clear with your thinking. I only make GENUINE compliments so what I say is on the mark with you. Just keep up your great work. You are FANTASTIC my friend!!
Gary the doggy is so cute I could adopt him but then I remember I can't have pets.
I think at some point in our lives we appreciate a second chance.
Everyone deserves a second chance... but not necessarily with me!! Great message Gary, and a great way to start the day.
Gary, that is the cutest little puppy picture!! I would want to take that little guy right home with me! I believe in second chances but I believe that the government bailout should be of all of the unfortunate people in foreclosure, not of the banks that encouraged them to borrow more than they could obviously afford to pay back. Bailouts and second chances for corporate CEO's that make more in a year than most people make in 5 years makes me physically nauseous.
Hey there Jennifer: Second chances provide new starts.
Hello Susie: I know the feeling about getting personally burned in life. It is absolutely the hardest to forgive those that directly hurt US!!
Hi Susan: I couldn't agree with you more. They were trying in this proposed bill to phase in the bailout and also have no rewards for these corporate CEOs. I vote for your program.
Amen. How interesting that my church services was on this very topic yesterday.
Gary - I pesonally like the idea of Main St. getting a 2nd chance along with Wall St. - As for that dog, he gets as many chances as he wants - BTW, I think you need a puppy!
Terri: With the puppies they deserve many chances I agree.
Pat: You do have a lot in you to say, I am convinced of it. I am loving your detailed comments now, but will also enjoy your blog as it comes along.
Allen: This makes a good sermon, I agree.
Pam: A dog is a great protector of the house, you are right.
Carol: Main Street as seen on Monday got a second chance. I do need a new dog, you are right.
Gary - I have had more than my share of second chances, and made them good, some third chances even - my marriage to a wonderful guy!
Regarding adopting homeless pets -- this is a bit off the beaten path, but I read this morning about a group of real estate agents in the Phoenix area who are rescuing abandoned foreclosure pets. In one house, there were 8 dogs and 15 puppies left behind. The previous owners had opened a kitchen drawer, dumped in a bag of dog food and left the gate open so the dogs could drink the dirty green pool water.
I don't know where I would be if it were not for second chances! Learning from life's experiences is what makes us who we are and makes us strive to become better. If things always went perfectly in life, we wouldn't learn much.
Gary: Thank you for the inspriation. Everyone needs a second chance from time to time.
As an aside, we have 2 Labrador Retrievers that we adopted from the Pasadena Humane Society. They are the most incredible companions. So generous and loving. I don't want to imagine their fate if we hadn't given them a second chance.
Great post Gary! I'm all for second chances and depending on what or who gets a second chance hopefully a lesson will be learned. Liked the music too!! Take care!
Gary, I am one of those that was given a second chance – almost 57 years ago now… I was adopted.
“If you get a second chance,
grab it with both hands.
If it changes your life, let it.”
Raleigh Realtor – Pamela St. Peter
Gary,
Great post! I believe that each morning we awaken and face a new day, we are given a second, third...etc. Thanks for sharing!
I'm a firm beliver of second chances. With all the prayers my little dog, "Chanel" received from our AR members she beat all the odds and has recovered from renal failure. Like a miracle. Thanks for such a positive post.
Gary, I don't know where I'd be today if I hadn't been given second chances. Hope is all about believing in second chances - nice post. Thanks for reminding me of what I'm so thankful for.
Gary, I am doing just that... taking a second chance and not only here on AR but in life in general. Can you adopt me ? -:) ... I feel lucky today!
Gary, we all need to give second chances and it sure is nice if we mess up for someone to give us second chance! Without this we may never see the best to come - great post! :)
That is a delightfully cute puppy! Have you seen the thingy I have on the side of my blog for the animal shelters? There are always cute puppies on that. And horses and iguanas...
Gary, Love the positive spin on the situation. Great post!
Second, third. fourth chances... Just keep forging ahead in spite of any and all. Keep your chin up!
The human spirit is amazing! As a species, we are almost as durable as cockroaches... with the right attitude, that is. (btw, this is a compliment).
I have always been so impressed by the resilience and fortitude of people. I am honored to be human! Gary, I know that sounds strange, but I really think we are a great species.
I've been waiting to put this at the top of the Optimist Board. That time is now.
Oh, I can almost not take it. I'm a sucker for the eyes of dogs. You've blinded me with the pooch and then pulled me into bail out material. You're a master of blogging.