Flipped

by Wendelin Van Draanen

“A painting is more than the sum of its parts,” he would tell me, and then go on to explain how the cow by itself is just a cow, and the meadow by itself is just grass and flowers, and the sun peeking through the trees is just a beam of light, but put them all together and you’ve got magic.

“One’s character is set at an early age, son. The choices you make now will affect you for the rest of your life.”

“Just think about what I’ve said, and the next time you’re faced with a choice, do the right thing. It hurts everyone less in the long run.”

it’s not fair to condemn him for something he hasn’t done.”

Well, honey, the only bee you’re attracting around here is B-r-y-c-e.

Is this what my father had gone through growing up?

I want you to think about the steps you take and the people you know, and see beneath the surface—or beyond the moment. Then take the steps that you believe will make your life a happy one. Sometimes those steps will be harder or more painful than the easy ones, but in the end you’ll have risen farther in your life and have accomplished more for having taken the time to consider what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.

As you face your own life’s challenges, may you hold a mighty heart!