When I was a little boy, my grandfather, Clayton Vincent, a retired police officer in Bend, Oregon, with a chiseled chin and a flat-top he has sported since before my mom was born used to tell me about being honest and caring...and that if I would only stick to those two things, I could achieve great things in my life. If I was willing to work hard and apply myself with every fiber of my being, there would be nothing that I would not be able to do. And, as he put it, "..when you brush your teeth before bed and see your reflection in the mirror, you will be able to know in your heart you gave it your all.."
It really wasn't until I was in high school and was sent this poem cut from an advice column in the Oregonian (my grandpa's local paper) that it truly dawned on me what exactly he meant.
And I wanted to share it with you all...
The Man In The Glass ---- Anonymous
When you get what you want in your struggles for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.
Some people might think you're a straight-shooting chum
And call you a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest
For he's with you clear to the end
And you've passed your most dangerous test
If the man in the glass is your friend.
You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.
That advice from my gramdpa has never steered me wrong...ever. And through the cementing of this concept by having received this poem, I have had much success -- both personally and professionally. I live my life by this creed, if you will. I run my business by it. And I have this poem written in calligraphy and framed above my desk and it hangs beside my front door at home. And, I hope it brings you as much as it has brought to me.
If you would like to do business with an online referral company that truly does business differently, please feel free to call Clint at 800-977-7058 and I would be happy to speak with you about www.recr.com.
That was very nice Clint. Thank you for sharing that!
Clint, awesome poem and ThemThem to your grandpa!
Thanks for sharing with the Group,
Duane
Dana -- Thanks for commenting...and for the compliment. He is truly an inspiration to me still today. I pray to God that I am as sharp at 83 as he is...
Duane -- Yeah, that is one of the more inspirational poems I have read. It's really important to me. Thanks for the kind words also...I appreciate it.
What a very wonderful memory to hold...and how lucky you were to grow up with such a mentor. I have no memory of the only grandfather that was living since I was born...he died when I was less than 4,,,I do have great memories of both Grandmothers...and often, just as with my Dad who is also now deceased..I think they still offer some guidance and do what they can to help and watch over me,..the warmth of their love is something you will always have for a lifetime.
Sally & David -- That is true. I was lucky enough to have memories of both sets of grandparents. My paternal set has since passed on...but, the love they showed me has lasted and will continue to do so. Thanks for the kind words...God Bless
Very nice poem. It does hit home. It tells you to take personal responsibility for the person you are.
Robert - That is exactly what it does. Thank you for 'getting it'. :-) Now, if we could only get everyone to do the same thing...Thanks for the comments.