How do you mend a broken heart? It’s not enough to be sensitive, knowledgeable, or even intelligent. This story illustrates why.
A young man, eager to impress his wise grandfather, proudly recited a list of facts he had memorized. He spoke of distant galaxies, complex equations, and historical dates. The grandfather listened patiently, then asked, “That’s impressive, my boy. But tell me, do you know how to mend a broken heart?”
The young man paused, puzzled.
“No, Grandpa.”
The old man smiled gently.
“Then you know, but wisdom is still on its way.”
This lighthearted story underscores a truth I’ve learned over the years, sometimes painfully: the distinction between knowledge, intelligence, and wisdom, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
Reflecting on Chubby, my father,
I recall the wisdom he often shared through simple one-sentence rules of living. In his honor, I call them “Chubby Rules.” A few of them relate to mending broken hearts. He believed in an easier path than mending, keeping hearts happy and whole.
A “Chubby Rule”:
“When you think something nice about someone, let them know before you forget.”
I think nice things about people a lot. But I don’t tell them enough. I fear Chubby might be disappointed. I’ve got to work on that.
Another “Chubby Rule” that speaks to not breaking hearts is: “It’s better to be nice than be right.”
I struggle with that too. I like to be right. But sometimes it’s hard, incredibly difficult, to be nice when in the heat of battle, proving I’m right.
Once again, I expect Chubby may be disappointed in me. Have you figured out how to prove you’re right and always be nice? Send me a note.
Those words from Bob Dylan’s
“The Times They Are a-Changin‘” still resonates today. In a world where the tides of time seem to shift ever more swiftly, one truth remains constant: kindness endures. Broken hearts no more.
It’s easy to win an argument but lose a friend. It’s easy to assert our correctness while fracturing a relationship.
Broken hearts no more.
Michael Jackson’s words in
“Heal the World” sums it up well:
“Heal the world, make it a better place, for you and me and the entire human race.”
I believe Chubby would see those lyrics as a blueprint for living.
Glen Campbell’s “Try a Little Kindness” offers similar advice:
“You’ve got to try a little kindness, yes, show a little kindness, just shine your light for everyone to see.”
Just shine your light for everyone to see. I’ll try to remember that every day, everywhere I go.
Is being right more important than showing people the way with a shining bright light? Is winning hearts more important than winning debates? It depends on the imprint on the world you want to make.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with being right. But is it worth breaking hearts?
How do you mend a broken heart? Don’t break it. Strengthen it instead.
