Tag Archives: Giving

Lighting the Way

10 Mar

The world is filled with all kinds of people in different places, situations, locations, and cultures. Although we will never meet them all, we may be aware of the magnitude humanity encompasses. There are people all around us most of the time. We see them at work, at play, and in passing. There may be periods when we’ll be completely alone but much of the time someone else will be nearby. Although we don’t have close and intimate relationships with everyone around us, we are far more connected as human beings than we may realize. We feel pain when someone else gets hurt, we feel sad when others are suffering, and we rejoice when good things come to those around us. What we do every day impacts the world in some way. If we are rude and hateful, and mean to those we come in contact with, our influence will be negative and may cause those with whom we interact to suffer. Conversely, if we are kind and welcoming, and offer help when needed, we may bring great blessing and light to the world around us. We can do anything we like, but whatever we choose will leave an indelible mark on where we’ve been. If we choose to light the way forward through our kindness and good example, we will bring goodness and virtue that will enhance those around us and the world as a whole. Every choice we make will bring a result. There is greatness is us all and by choosing wisely, we can share all the gifts we have to offer. We are more important and powerful than we think we are. By expressing the best we have within us, we can bring intense light and blessing to everyone around us.

We can spend our lives thinking about what’s in every decision for us, and only see our own personal road. We can focus only on our own achievements, and live in ways that exclude others from our plans so we can do everything exactly the way we like. There’s nothing wrong with keeping our eyes on the goals we want the most, but it’s impossible to build personal connections if all we see is ourselves. Building relationships requires us to think about others, and consider their needs as well as our own, which isn’t always easy. But strong friendships and relationships enhance our lives is very positive ways, and teach a lot about ourselves and the world around us. By sharing our journey forward, we will be enriched and find great comfort and happiness.

We may think we’re insignificant and it doesn’t matter what we do. Although we may not be famous or wealthy, well known or publicly recognized, our influence will still make an impact. Others see us and what we’re doing, and our choices and examples may alter how they choose to proceed. If they see us help someone out of a car, or open a door, they may offer to help someone else. There is no way to know how much our actions change what comes next. We can change the world for the better simply by choosing well and lighting the way ahead.

Today think about the choices you’re making. Choose the best options moving forward and be a shining example for good. You can bring great blessings to the world around you. Be the best you can be, and every door ahead will open. The road will be paved with good works moving forward, and you will reach every success.

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Setting the Bar

12 Apr

Lauren Hill died two days ago. If you haven’t heard of her, there has been a lot written about her and you can surely find several articles regarding her amazing life. Lauren was only 19 years old when she died. A college freshman basketball player excited about her prospects for the future. And then she was diagnosed with an inoperable, untreatable, fatal brain tumor. Instead of becoming morose and depressed, instead of giving up, she persevered and became an example to everyone. She said, “I don’t want people to say I lost, or I gave up,” and she didn’t. She was always cheerful, always smiling, always positive. And she thought of others. She raised over 1.5 million dollars for cancer research while suffering with the disease herself. Because she was becoming weaker every day, her college coach moved up their first game so that she could realize her dream of playing for them. She played well to a sold out crowd.

I have been following Lauren for some time. I have been amazed at her strength and courage in the face of sure defeat. I have been inspired, and impressed. She was always so happy even when it must have been hard to even face the day. I reflected on my life and my choices. Here was this young woman smiling with brain cancer, and I’m not that cheerful when I have a mere headache! And I thought of the example she was for us all.

Nobody knows what life will bring them. Along the way we will make millions of decisions. Will they be good or bad? Will they affect others in a positive way, or will we be the one that destroys someone else? Will they have far reaching implications or will they just touch our moment? Will we be able to fix things when we falter? Will we be an example for good? Every decision will have some impact – good or bad, large or small, temporary or permanent – we have to wait and see. We surely will all die at some point. The mark we leave after we’re gone depends on what we do today.

Lauren Hill set the bar high. She never waivered. She never quit. She never gave up. Instead, she gave back every day. She looked outside herself and touched others. She set the bar high. She set it for all of us. Today, remember that kind of courage. Remember that it’s possible, even when we feel bad, to be the example. Remember that we, too, can set the bar high and be noble. We are here for a purpose. Today, recognize that and be the best you can be.

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