Has anyone else read this? Basically the main character, David Ponder lost his job and is forced to reexamine what truly matters in his life. David comes to a cross roads while driving on an icy road, much like when George Bailey "wishes he were never born", in the classic "It's a Wonderful Life" and he is transported through time to visit some infamous characters that will provide him with the "7 decisions that determine personal success."
I'm just wondering if anyone else has read this and what your thoughts are on it...
So far I've only read about the first 2 decisions (to personal success):
1: "The Buck Stops Here" I personally love this one and completely agree. David is taught to take responsibility for his past and therefore his present (and future), by the one and only Mr. Harry Truman.
"I am where I am today- mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially- because of decisions I have mad. My decisions have always been governed by my thinking. Therefore, I am where I am today-mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially- because of how I think. Today I will begin the process of changing where I am- mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially- by changing the way I think."
I love it! One way or the other we chose to be where we are (in all of the ways listed above)... we created our path a long time ago with the choice to go left versus right, the choice of this school over that school, the choice to join the military, to marry a military man... we all have the option to make a different choice so we can't blame our circumstances, our parents, spouses or anything thing/one else for where we are in our lives!
2: "I Will Seek Wisdom": This decision rather confused me. David meets King Solomon while he is resolving the argument between two mothers who are fighting over a baby. They both claim the child is theirs and should be allowed to keep him. King Solomon offers to cut the baby in half so that they can each have a part of him. We all know how this story ends... he gives the baby to the woman who opted to give her son to the other woman over having him killed.
King Solomon and David have a discussion about many things. King Solomon tells David to seek the counsel of wise men; basically you are who you surround yourself with. Solomon tells David "Only a fool refuses the counsel of wise men..." "Fine a wise man, a person who has accomplished what you wish for in your own life, and listen closely to his words."
King Solomon also shows David (by holding a curtain open for him versus the other way around) that "When a king begins to act like a king, is not long before someone else is king! Serving is a way we can place value on one another. A wise man is a server." I get this concept, but I'm not sure what it has to do with seeking wisdom.
Both Harry Truman and King Solomon stress that they can't tell David what to do next and that they wouldn't even if they could... still waiting for that to come to some sort of point...? You are supposed to seek counsel of wise men but they can't give you advice on how to proceed? Egh, then again maybe I'm too logical for my own good.
I'll definitely be keeping this book. Since it is so short I expected to read it than return it. But I'm presently surprised by the depth of this book... lots to think about, obviously!
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I gotta run, hittin the 30% off sale (for military) at Old Navy with my sis in a few!
Also, check out my new list (to the left) of things to accomplish before Kevin's homecoming! =) Gotta keep busy these last few weeks are DRAGGIN!!!
2 comments:
have fun at old navy! let me know how the book is.
I haven't read this! I might have to check it out!
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