"Every life is a profession of faith, and
exercises an inevitable and silent influence."
~ Henri Frederic Amiel ~
Below is a post that I wrote a couple of years ago. In light of Andy Griffith's passing last week, I thought it'd be nice to share it with you again. I hope it helps you as much as it has me.
Television. While some have hailed it as one of the greatest inventions of the last century, others have argued that it is a destroyer of our society.
I can see where there are valid arguments from both sides. It's really a matter of personal choice and taste I suppose.
Whether television is good or bad depends on the person watching it and what they choose to watch.
Because while it's true there certainly is a bunch of (excuse my French) crap out there, there are also shows that have the ability to teach, motivate and inspire the viewer.
So where do you find such shows? Well, obviously, I'm no TV Guide, so all I can do is tell you what's right for me.
As for me, if I had to choose just one show that I feel meets the aforementioned attributes (one that teaches, motivates, and inspires), then I'd choose "Andy Griffith."
In all my years of watching television, I've never encountered any other show that has held my interest year after year quite the way Andy Griffith does.
I just can't say enough good things about it. I particularly like the early episodes that were filmed in black and white, with Barney Fife and Opie as a young kid.
Just the other day, I was watching one of my favorite episodes. I'd seen this particular one many times, as I have all of them I'm sure.
But this time was different. On this day, it was as if I was being taught something by Andy Griffith himself. A lesson that I now pass on to you.
The episode began with Andy and Barney in a dilemma. They'd been given the responsibility by the Mayor to get rid of an old cannon which has become an eyesore for the town.
Their problem is, the cannon is virtually worthless. It's sat in Mayberry for its entire existence and with such a boring history behind it, the boys realize their chances of selling it aren't very good.
Finally, their luck changes, however, thanks to a "little white lie." Somehow, an out of town buyer gets it into his head that the cannon charged up San Juan hill with Teddy Roosevelt.
And that "little white lie" convinces him that the actually worthless cannon is valuable, so he buys it.
So what's the problem? Well, the problem is actually twofold. Not only did Andy lie to the buyer himself, even worse he taught Opie that it was okay to do so.
Not intentionally of course, but as is so often the case, Opie's little eyes were watching Andy the entire time, learning from him, emulating him.
Sure enough, not long after the cannon was sold, little Opie scams a friend of his into buying some "magic" beans.
Andy hears of this and reprimands Opie for misleading his friend. He stresses that one should always be honest in business dealings and in life.
Great advice, right? Well of course it is, but as I said earlier, Opie knew what Andy had done with the cannon.
Therefore, to Opie, it sounded as if Andy was saying "do as I say, not as I do."
Andy realizes what's he's done and contacts the man who's to buy the cannon. He admits his lie and comes clean with Opie. All and all, it's a great episode.
The biggest thing I took away from it was the valuable lesson of always being aware of the influence our example has over those we find ourselves responsible for (like kids, employees, etc).
This influence shouldn't be underestimated. Although I could go on and on about the importance of this, I believe the following poem by an unknown poet says it best:
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that little things can be the special things in life.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night and I felt loved and safe.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking.
So let me ask you. Who is looking at you when you don't realize it; and are you setting an example that you'd be proud for them to follow?
Remember, you've got the power to influence for the better or worse. It's your choice. Make the right one.
Well, that's it for now. Until next time...
Keep reaching,
Jay