Fifty-Seven Truths I've Learned in my Fifty-Seven Years, part 3

To celebrate my 57th birthday, I decided to share 57 truths I've learned in 57 years. This is the third installment. I'm posting it in sections because I don't want to overwhelm--after all, a list of 57 is quite long. :)

The photo on the right is a picture of the house I grew up in. My parents bought it new, a few months before I was born. I think it cost them $12,000, and it came on a half acre of land. My mother would die if she saw an AC unit in the upstairs front bedroom window. We always put it in the side window.

1. Floss daily, and get a yearly check-up. Your good health is a gift you give to your loved ones.

2. The most egregious human rights violation in the world today is abortion.

3. When someone shows you who they are, believe them! ~Maya Angelou.

4. Beware of people who are incapable of experiencing joy for others’ accomplishments. They’re petty and jealous and would love to see you fail.

5. If you’re about to open a canned good and the lid is bulging, don’t! It’s got botulism. Toss it out.

6. There are big moments in life, but the most important seem to be the little things: a shared laugh, a shared cry, a hug, a kiss, and kindnesses. Cherish the moments.

7. Trust Jesus, and even in your darkest moments you’ll never be alone.

8. As much as you can, plan ahead. Never let your gas tank go below ¼ full. If you’re expecting a snowstorm, stock up. Don’t be caught by surprise and have to run out without gas in the tank or during a blizzard. Some hassles can be avoided. Avoid them!

9. Be generous in giving grace to others. My dad often said this statement: There but for the grace of God, go I. You never know what your tomorrow holds. Be kind.

10. Some people aren’t trustworthy. If you’re like me, you want to believe the best of everyone, but be realistic, and guard your heart.

11. Find someone who gives you butterflies in your tummy, shares your values, and makes you laugh every day—then marry him/her!

12. Make your bed every day. You’ll feel better when you walk into your room, and it’s so nice to slip into crisp bed sheets at night. This is one of those simple luxuries you can give to yourself.

13. Beware around people who are desperate to be “little miss (or mister) front and center.” People are only rungs on their ladder to success. They’ll step on you and crush you after you’ve given them your friendship.

14. Mistakes are never wasted as long as they either make you humble or help you learn a better way.

15. Just because someone says (or writes) something doesn’t mean it’s the truth. Learn to be wise and discerning.