Purpose and Meaning in Our Lives

Dear Reader:

To say that I was pretty pensive yesterday would be a true understatement. The whole red ladder episode hit me full face. The realization how close Ben and I came to departing this world was sobering. For the first time I was envious of my brother-he had already forgotten the incident and when reminded-just shrugged and shook his head.

Ben had also forgotten (he told me right after the incident ) that he was excited about seeing daddy again. That little seven year old boy who tore out of grandmother’s farmhouse after being told his daddy had died has been looking for his daddy ever since.

On GMA3 on Fridays…the show has a segment called ” Faith Friday” with different religious leaders of all denominations leaving the viewers with a positive message for the upcoming week.

I loved this week’s message…. The pastor reminded us that we are guaranteed life and liberty in the Declaration of Independence but not happiness-this we have to pursue. We must always remember hope is a journey and we should chase purpose and meaning in our lives… because therein lies happiness and joy!

I want to make sure that I deserve the extension I got yesterday and I never stop chasing new purposes and meanings in my life.

If some of you wanted to make me cry yesterday… guess what? You succeeded! I received phone calls, texts, emails , post responses that I all read to Ben who smiled and nodded.

Johnny Johnson-I have been so worried something had happened to you… yet there was your response that touched my heart and soul along with all the others!

***If you haven’t received a reply of love and appreciation back… blame it on the gremlins-but even their tech mischief could not upset me-will try again tomorrow!

So until tomorrow… God knows even in the midst of turmoil and change humor abounds. Ben kept looking for some golf balls all day and I told him he had some in his hand earlier-surely he dropped them in his bucket.

When I found where they were I fell down laughing! And what was even funnier -a hummingbird flew up to the red petunia planter attracted by the new bright colors thinking they were new flowers… instead I heard the tapping sound made when their beak tapped the hard golf balls! 🤣 Thanks God-I needed that!

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

A shout-out to my niece Bekah who aced the first test in an on-going assessment training program for a new job and career.

About Becky Dingle

I was born a Tarheel but ended up a Sandlapper. My grandparents were cotton farmers in Laurens, South Carolina and it was in my grandmother’s house that my love of storytelling began beside an old Franklin stove. When I graduated from Laurens High School, I attended Erskine College (Due West of what?) and would later get my Masters Degree in Education/Social Studies from Charleston Southern. I am presently an adjunct professor/clinical supervisor at CSU and have also taught at the College of Charleston. For 28 years I taught Social Studies through storytelling. My philosophy matched Rudyard Kipling’s quote: “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Today I still spread this message through workshops and presentations throughout the state. The secret of success in teaching social studies is always in the story. I want to keep learning and being surprised by life…it is the greatest teacher. Like Kermit said, “When you’re green you grow, when you’re ripe you rot.”
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4 Responses to Purpose and Meaning in Our Lives

  1. Sis Kinney says:

    Becky,
    I did not get an opportunity to read yesterday’s post (red ladder. . . ) yesterday and just finished it! All I can say is WOW! You and Ben were both blessed by your respective guardian angels, with God at the helm! WOW! So thankful that neither of you was injured. What a scary situation and I am sure you were shaking all over as you finally were able to pull over. It was nice to read that at least two other cars followed you and gave you some support – moral if nothing else.
    Wow!
    Have a blessed day today!
    Much love,
    Sis

  2. Rachel Edwards says:

    All in God’s timing…and yesterday’s event was a definite sign that there is more Gid has in store for Ben and you. The fact that he does not remember is more validation that he needs to be where he can get the best care and I feel like he will thrive there. As for you my smart and sweet friend you already know your purpose…to uplift hundreds of people a day and now to be Ben’s stronghold during this time as he finds a new place to dwell in…love you.

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