We're growing, not just going

Here's a column that missed my posting duties after it appeared in The Redland Times some weeks ago:

A FUNDAMENTALIST minister and author is credited with creating some inspiring phrases about self development.
"Don't go through life, grow through life" – a quotation attributed to the late Eric Butterworth – must be one of the most profound seven-word collections in the history of the language.
It appears here today because the progression of life reflects through every edition of the Classifieds. A browse on any page reveals the many ways people are in fact "growing", rather than just “going”.
We have all heard quite enough of the "moving forward" philosophy thanks to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, but the mantra at least cut through the mist of everyday life and reflected some deeper thinking.

THE Classified pages are full of people who are "growing" and "moving forward" – they are doing things and making some cash, which always helps in any journey: like that of the Ormiston widower who realised he wasn't giving any attention to the greenhouse in the corner of his yard and listed it for sale.
"I am on my own now and I didn't have much interest in it," he said. "It needed some TLC."
The greenhouse – with his wife's plant collection, including orchids, making a package – sold to the first caller for $500.

AT VICTORIA POINT, grandmother-of-seven Lesley Coey was still waiting for a buyer for the double tubular bunks and innerspring mattresses she advertised for $400. Lesley said she had bought the bunks only about one year ago for more than $700.
Lesley and husband Rod came to the Redlands from Townsville in 1988 after Rod was transferred in his job with tyre firm Goodyear, with which he worked for 32 years before retiring about four years ago.
The Coeys spend a lot of time with their grandchildren and are selling the bunks in a rearrangement for a granddaughter who will live with them.

AT CLEVELAND, mother-of-two Sue Fitzgerald has been especially busy since the birth of her second daughter Amy, five months old. Sue sorted out a collection of baby goods that were surplus to their needs and placed a for-sale notice.
Sue and her husband Jason moved from Canberra seven years ago.
"We thought we would try something different and come to live in the Sunshine State, and we have never looked back," Sue said.

ALL THIS shows the proud heritage of classified advertising – helping people "grow through life".
The Classifieds have been around a long time and will keep doing their job for a lot longer. Nowadays you can also browse the Classifieds online (follow the prompts at www.baysidebulletin.com.au). And jobseekers can visit the new employment network www.jobs.com.au

Thanks for joining me to meet the people in the marvellous community of classified advertising.