I've learned...

Rep. Robert Herkes gave today's invocation prior to the start of session. He quoted life lessons from "60 Minutes" humorist Andy Rooney. Several members asked for copies, so we thought we'd share it here:

"I've learned...That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned...That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.

I've learned...That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned...That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned...That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help them in some other way.

I've learned...That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned...That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned...That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned...That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned...That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned...That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned...That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned...That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned...That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned...That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned...That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned...That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned...That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned...That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned...That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow you may have to eat them.

I've learned...That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned...That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned...That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

I've learned...That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes."