April First - April Fool's Day

April Fool’s Day, is not officially considered a holiday, is most definitely a notable day that is celebrated in many countries on April 1. The thing that is so special about April 1 (April Fools) is that it is the day for playing hoaxes and practical jokes of varied sophistication on others. The aim of these jokes is to bring embarrassment to the gullible.

Superstitions have it that the practical jokes are meant to be played before noon, and that those that are performed afterwards will bring bad luck to the perpetrator. This limitation is widely losing it’s value as a superstition as it is believed to have been conspired up by annoyed parents and school teachers who were wanting a respite from the day of pranks, as well due to the fact that many major hoaxes throughout history have appeared after noon. Another superstition is that anyone who fails to respond in the proper spirit of tolerance and amusement to the jokes played on them is also said to be liable to suffer from bad luck. Weaker sources indicated that being fooled by a pretty girl will be accompanied by marriage, or at bare minimum a friendship with her. That sounds like a good deal if she is truely pretty and it’s not just April Fools. Along the lines of relationships some people believe that being married onApril Fools’ Day is not a good idea for a man, and that forever in the future he will be ruled by his wife.

The origin of April Fool’s day is not clearly known, but it is generally accepted to have come about as a result to the changes in the calendar system. The New Year celebrations used to begin on 25 March and last for a week, ending on 1 April. In 1582, King Charles IX of France brought in the new Gregorian calendar, in which the new year began on 1 January. Unfortunately, some people did not hear about the change, and many others simply refused to break the tradition. These people became the object of so-called ‘fool’s errands’ and tests of gullibility.

Copied with permission from: http://plrplr.com/44571/april-fools-day/

The Time For Giving (Should Be Everyday)

     Recently a friend of mine came to our home to visit.  I could tell this wasn't an ordinary visit, something was wrong.  We visited for a while and talked about where we used to work, and how everyone was doing and how things have been for us as well. I could tell there was something on his mind.  I was trying to decipher in my mind what could be wrong.  We hadn't talked about our current place of employment yet or how our holidays were going to be so I thought I would ask.

     Once I asked where he was working now he said "nowhere right now I'm in between jobs and looking for one at the moment."  I kinda knew then what was wrong.  Now this friend of mine happens to be as old as my dad, has worked his whole life, and taken care of his family without fail.  He now is in need of a job and cannot find one.  It is real hard to get people to give you a chance once you hit a certain age.  It isn't quite right, he is still a very able bodied person and willing to work as hard as anyone else. I did not ask why he lost his job and I didn't care.  I know he is the type of person who does not get fired, he shows up for work when he is supposed to and does a good job, so why he is in between jobs doesn't matter.  I asked him if he is doing alright and he said he was not.  I had just purchased a half of beef so I asked him if he needed some meat in the freezer.  It was hard for me to figure out how to ask without offending him and I know how hard it was for him to say yes but he did, so I gave him some and offered my help with anything that I could.  I am not able to help financially but who is right now, right?

     I was able to help him find a job through my place of employment, and he is now on his way back on his feet again.  I know without a doubt he would have done the same for me.

     I am not telling this story so someone will give me a pat on the back.  I am not looking for praise in any manner.  My point is that everyday should be a time for giving, not just the holiday season.  Too many people turn their back when a friend is in need.  I am not a super religious person but I do believe in God.  This friend of mine said it best when he said "The Lord might not seem to be there ALL the time but he IS always ON time".  I have noticed that this is true.  Things always seem to get just a little worse right before they get a lot better, but they always get a lot better.  I also noticed that the more you unselfishly help people in need, the better off you will be. Good things happen to good people and the same goes for the opposite.

     If you happen to be the person in need and you are reading this, please know that there are still good people in the world who are able to help and still care enough to do so. Please be humble enough to accept the help when it is offered, it is hard for both sides.  The person offering you help is usually afraid of offending you but they are just trying to be helpful.  Good fortune might not always be monetary but as long as you are willing to try and willing to help yourself, you will get what you need or deserve. These times are tough and people have made it through tougher.  In time good fortune will come to you, keep the faith and know that it may not get better right away but it will always get better for sure.

     The point of this story is - if you are able to help someone in need, help someone in need. 

 It's a good feeling to help a friend, or anyone for that matter.  It doesn't have to be a holiday or a special occasion to give from your heart.  

 It's just the right thing to do. 

Go buy a toy and donate it for a kid that you don't know this Christmas, or a hat and some gloves, or a coat.

Help someone you know who is in need if you are able at any time of the year and see what happens. 

You won't regret it.

OLOE