Respond - Don't React

Most people would agree that the loss of both arms for a three year old would be a tragedy beyond belief. That's what happened to Jon Paul Blenke. He and his parents quickly accepted the fact that he would be without his arms for the rest of his life and decided to adapt and use what was left and not moan about what was lost.

Unfortunately, when most people lose part of a physical or financial asset, they take the "I've lost it all and there's nothing I can do" approach. Jon Paul instinctively knew better, his parents encouraged him, and the results speak for themselves. Any parent would be delighted to have him on his team. Today, Jon Paul is an outgoing, enthusiastic, highly motivated youngster who has an incredible attitude. When someone tells him what he can't do, he starts figuring out a way to do it. He plays soccer, writes with his feet, drives the lawn mower with his legs, swims, skates, skis and plays football.

Coach Bob Thompson of the Leduc Bobcats says that Jon Paul is a capable player, and his team mates say "he really hits like heck." His team mates have respect for him, and the coach says he is a super athlete. "In his mind, he doesn't have a disability. The only position he won't play is a quarterback, but if there's a way, He'll find it." There are few hurdles in his mind he can't overcome. If there's frustration. It's short-lived, and very seldom will he give up.
I have an idea this young man is going to do well in his life and he already serves as a marvellous role model. I encourage you to learn from this enthusiastic youngster.

Author John Maxwell writes, "There is great dignity in simplicity. Most of the immortal works of literature not only have the brilliance of brevity, but also the dignity of simplicity. The Lord's Prayer consists of only 57 words, none more than two syllables. The Declaration of Independence, which revolutionized the thinking of the entire world, can be read by a fourth grader in less than five minutes. Simplicity is eloquent; it speaks loud and clear without insulting the intelligence of the listener."

As I read those words, I was moved to look up the word dignity in my trusty 1828 Noah Webster dictionary. Here is what Webster wrote: "True honour. Nobleness or elevation of mind. Consisting in a high sense of proprietary, truth and justice, with an abhorrence of mean and sinful actions. It's elevation; honourable place or rank of elevation; degree of excellence, either in estimation or in the order of nature."

A parent or teacher who treats a child with dignity builds the self-esteem of the child and automatically increases the child's performance, which generally improves the child's conduct. An employer who treats employees with respect and dignity builds loyalty and increases productivity. You treat another person, regardless of age, with dignity when you courteously listens to him or her and respond in a thoughtful manner. You treat others with dignity when you show them respect, regardless of their occupation, sex, race, creed, or colour. And when you treat others with respect and dignity, your own self respect and sense of dignity improve.
Simplicity and dignity make a powerful combination. When you strive for dignity and use simplicity as a yardstick, you've just elevated your possibilities for accomplishment.