Each of the seven Oscarson children has heard their father say the following at least a thousand times growing up:
BE GOOD AND DO GOOD, BUT IF YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE, BE GOOD!
An interesting conversation the other night has prompted a question. Just what do YOU think he meant by saying that? I would really love it if each of you would make a comment telling how you interpreted his sage advice. This could be very interesting if the above mentioned conversation with Spencer is any indication. Don't be shy, tell us what you think.
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8 comments:
I have to admit I did't really understand what he meant until I left for college... or sometime thereafter. I think he was telling us not to cheat in order to "do good" in our school work... right? I've actually used this as a part of a lesson I taught to the beehives about honesty when I was their adviser. I hope they understood better than I did at their age. :)
I always understood it to mean that I was not supposed to compromise myself or principles (being good) just to be successful (doing good). Where did he get this phrase from anyway? I did always think that it had a nice ring to it.
I'm sorry, I am still kind of in shock that there is a comment from Buffalo.
I didn't really analyze it a whole lot back then either. I pretty much just got "be good" from it, and that worked.
But it has spurred me to say a same something special to my kids every morning when they get on the bus too. Good things.
I knew that my BEING good was always more important to my parents than DOING good (whether it be grades, sports, etc)...and my grades definitely showed that. I must have been working really hard on being good and ignoring the rest!
You guys are all a lot wiser and smarter than your moder. I have always wondered what that phrase meant exactly...now I know. Thanks. I, too, am in shock that Buffalo commented. Just goes to show that he does occasionally read our blogs...maybe?
Amy and Carrie, where are you?
I love Buffalo's profile picture. :) I am also thrilled to see you comment!
When I was younger I thought that if it came down to it and I had to choose BETWEEN "doing" and "being" good that I should choose to "be" good... now I am thinking that the last "be good" is a third thing. I should DO good and BE good AND if I have to make a choice I should be good.
You all have the "jist" of it. Carrie is right that we should all strive to both be good and do good. On those rare occasions, however, where one may have to choose between being true to one's values versus winning the praise of the world, I wanted to you to know that who you were was always more important to me that what you did. And how you all exemplifiy that ideal. I love you all so and value every morning I sent you off with that reminder. You are good and a source of great joy and blessing to me and so many others!
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