Observations from a Lifetime Marvin r. Strunk and family, usa

In my years, I have been privileged to participate in many activities, experience varied situations and events and have been blessed by dedicated parents, an exceptional and loving wife, fine children and the enjoyment of thirteen grandchildren. During these long years there have been great moments, both triumphal and bitter, and many opportunities to learn, observe and grow first as a youth, then as an adult as a parent and business leader and now in later life a period of enjoyment, reflection and satisfaction.

These brief statements or admonitions are some of the observations and things I have learned. I have enjoyed placing them into words and I hope you will find them interesting and helpful.

As an Adult, It is a Lifetime of Service

I would tell the Sunday School class of young college graduates that in their school days and growing up everything was provided to them. Food, schooling, clothes, etc., etc. However, with college days over they were entering into a lifetime of service to others, family, church, etc., and if they look upon this as a privilege they are on the road to being happy, satisfied adults.

I really believe this. I have received so many benefits and satisfactions from my varied service endeavors. Whether it is family, organizations, social, church and simply being a help to a sick person, a problem laden friend, or an invalid parent, the result is often unexpected but usually rewarding. Of course family and children are always present and work is a never ceasing, time consuming need, but the real good comes from serving others in a loving, often sacrificial manner.

We Are Being Molded

Our thoughts, desires, needs and dreams are being molded every hour, day and year. This is good because it demonstrates we are alert and aware of influences around us, some good and some bad. We must choose. No one wishes to remain the same as time and events occur, but want to keep our journey to reflect life as it is being lived.

We are constantly bombarded with advertisements, new ideas, influences from friends, etc. This is from the outside. Within us our emotions, training, prejudices, loves affect our thoughts, desires and beliefs. This change will be positive if we have firm roots that are able to hear and sift new ideas and properly evaluate them. There is also a danger we stay in past mode and are not willing to hear ideas or the opinions of others. Change does occur as in the examples of racism, cigarette smoking, etc.

Also, I am often amazed the influence children have on the attitudes of their parents. The children will go to college, meet students from other cultures and economic backgrounds, return home and espouse a different set of values other that learned at the foot of the parents. Often the new idea is rejected when first introduced, but maybe a year or so later, I will hear the father or mother present the argument as their own.