Has anyone ever disappointed you or have you ever disappointed yourself? Although it’s difficult we need to move beyond such memories, by forgiving and forgetting.
We are human beings and although moderately predictable we are full of surprises. Consider the even tempered neighbor who one day goes into a rage creating a rift between you both or your closest friend and confidant’ who betrays your confidence and slandered your character. In each of our lives there is example after example of disappointing behavior of people we thought we knew. But perhaps our disappointment is the result of our own unfair expectations of a person.
Many of us have not just been disappointed by others but we, too, have disappointed ourselves and others. It is part of our human weakness. We are inconsistent creatures—it’s our nature, but we have reason and intellect and can choose to rise above our weaknesses, (or at least apologize, forgive and forget when necessary). Animals, such as dogs, don’t have the ability to reason, but are naturally loyal and loving. Dogs live in the present—no grudges—no worries.
In man’s defense, dogs don’t have to compete in the marketplace, pay bills, or any other of the numerous and heavy responsibilities. In fact, dogs are dependent creatures making them one of man’s many responsibilities. Dogs seem to live a carefree existence. Perhaps we could learn to lighten up by taking advice from a dog.
Advice from a DOG: Enjoy the simple pleasure of a walk, Run and play daily, Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride, Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure happiness, Be loyal, faithful and quick to forgive, When loved ones come home always run to greet them, Greet friends like they are the most important people in the world, Never pretend to be something you’re not, Sometimes it is best to sit close and listen, Follow your instincts, keep digging until you find what you want, Avoid biting when a growl will do, Accept all of life’s treats with gratitude, Love unconditionally. And if this is all too much to remember just remember DOG: Depend On God.
Upcoming events:
Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. the Village Green Health Campus invites the public to their Gingerbread Holiday Bazaar. For a donation to the Darke County United Way attendees will be able to enjoy live music, homemade bean soup and cornbread. There will also be a bake sale and vendors set up for holiday shopping. If you are interested in entering the gingerbread house competition sign up between 6 and 8 p.m. tonight by calling 937-548-1993.
Sunday, there is Breakfast with Santa from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the K of C Hall. Monday at 7:30 is the VHS Christmas Spectacular Concert in the Performing Arts Center. Admission is a donation for the local food pantry at the door.
Cards: Open to the Public Bid Euchre Tournament at the Versailles Vets Club beginning at 7 p.m. every Thursday. There is a $5 entry fee. Pinochle is played daily at Eagles (members only) beginning at noon.
Karaoke: Today and Saturday at the Vets Club; Dec. 12 at the Keyhole in Newport; and Dec. 15 at Platty’s Sports Bar.
Christmas open houses: The House of Flowers holds their open house until 5 p.m. today and from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday. Tonight Bear’s Mill holds its Candlelight Walk from 6- 10. Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Garst Museum invites the public to attend its annual Holiday Open House. Dec. 12 from 5-7 p.m. Worch Memorial Library is hosting an open house, with Santa Claus. The Versailles Museum is decorated for Christmas with a collection of antique bicycles and collection of M&M memorabilia on display every Sunday from 1– 4 p.m. until December 18.
Mark your calendar for Dec. 9 from 6-8 p.m. Webster United Methodist Youth will be presenting their Live Nativity in the church’s front yard. Drive by on Seibt Road or park in the church parking lot to see. Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. Darke County Center for the Arts will present Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol” at St. Clair Memorial Hall. Call 547-0908 for tickets ($25 for adults and $12.50 for students).
Birthday wishes to newborn Sawyer Schmitmeyer (daughter of Megan and John), Scarlet Otte (2), Keith Fourman, Justin Lester, Phyllis Davis, Jackie Briscoe, Julie Francis, MacKenzie Bertke, David Bey, Rosemary Paulus, Jenny Crandall, Scott Holzapfel, Alayna Bartram, Joan Epperly, John Wehneman, Mary Wehneman, Deb Blakeley, Ava Garlinger, Nathan Epperly, Broderick Garlinger, Ron Riegle, Sharon Fourman, Fr. Angelo Caserta (98), Dr. Jon Kremer, T.J. Barga, Kim Cooper, Jenny Harris, Julie Homan, Karen Schultz, Jennifer Rinderle, Michelle Dircksen, Kathy Wilker, Tina Jones, Marcia Schlechty, Bernadette Siekman, Mary Beth Erisman, Jennifer Cheeseman, Kim Ware, Steve Smith, Jackie Swabb, Peggy Jasenski, Madonna Cohee, Scott Garrison, Angie Savage, Dawn Luthman, Ron DeLoye, Ron Gehret and Andy Monnin as their birthdays approach. Anniversary wishes to Dee and Tom Carrington (8), Jeanette and Mark Barga (34), (Mary) Jane and Louie Huber (50), Diane and Larry Prenger (50), and Miriam and Ron Poling (64).
Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Amy Poeppelman, Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Squirt Marshal, Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Cheryl Huelskamp, Sally Monnin, Sondra Spangler, Kathy (Platfoot) Wespiser, Angie Keiser, Mary Barga, Zane Francis, Theresa Turner, Al Bliss, Regina Fischer, Wilma Didier, Anabelle Subler, Steve Grilliot, Lavern Brunswick, Jeanette Simons, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Lewis Didier, Alan Stammen, Cameron Magoto, Lewis May, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Levadia Barga, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Linda Wilson, Lois Youngker, Sam Yagle, Barb Goubeaux, David Zumberger, Brian Voisard, Cyril Frantz, Michelle Ullom, John Davis, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Barb Agne, Samantha Smith, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized or homebound.
Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Rachelle Cordonnier (83) and Jon Agne (87). Also remembering the lives of Donald D’Innocenzo, Doug Thornhill, Pete Albers, Bernard Class, William Baltes, Dr. Richard Paulus, Irene Goettemoeller, Austin Brackman, Drucella Schlamb, Scott Dircksen, Robert Gump, Zac Richard, Ona Rosemary Martin, Betty Mayo, Tim Shearer, Bob Grilliot, Elmer Hemmelgarn, Colleen and Bob Grube, Kathryn Dross, Agnes Francis, Ralph Lavy, Ruth Hesson, Martha Kremer, Doris Burns, Opal Kueterman, Don Berger, Delpha Unger, Florence Gigandet, Dan Kissinger, Richard Francis, Carolyn Brewer, Russell Simmons, Esther Wulber, all those who died at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 75 years ago, and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their recent passing nears.
“Don’t blame people for disappointing you; blame yourself for expecting too much from them.” ~Unknown
“We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.” Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Disappointments are God’s way of saying “I’ve got something better.” Be patient, have faith, trust God.”
