~Words To Live By~

DREAMS

"A dream is in the mind of the believer,

and in the hands of the doer"

"You are not given a dream,

without being given the power to make it come true."

FRIENDSHIP

"A friend is someone who walks in when the

rest of the world walks out."

"True friends are like diamonds, precious

but rare."

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow.

Don't walk behind me, I may not lead.

Just walk beside me and be my friend."

GOD

"God sometimes puts us in the dark for us to see the light."

"God is able to do immeasurable deeds."

"Where God guides, He always provides."

"God's help is only a prayer away."

"God without man is still God. Man without God is nothing."

"Prayer changes things."

LOVE

"Love is never having to say you are sorry."

"When you love a person, you are giving him,

the power to hurt you."

"Love is having to see more than what meets the eyes."

"You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back."

"True love is like ghosts,

which everybody talks about and few have seen."

THE FUTURE

"Heal the past; live the present; dream the future."

"Do not start today, with the broken pieces of Yesterday."

"Destiny is not a matter of chance.

It is a matter of choice: it is not a thing to be waited for,

it is a thing to be achieved."

LIFE

"Life will only come once, so make the most out of it."

"God didn't gave us all things to enjoy life,

but life to enjoy all things."

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

"Mistakes are not intended to down us

rather they make us stronger."

Why

A Love Story

One day, I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah the beauty of
God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His
beautiful work.
As I sat there, I felt the Lord's presence with me. He asked me, "Do you love
me?"
I answered, "Of course, God! You are my Lord and Savior

Then He asked,

"If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?" I was
perplexed. I looked down upon my arms, legs and the rest of my body and
wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do, the things that I took for
granted. And I answered, "It would be tough Lord, but I would still love You."

Then the Lord said

"If you were blind, would you still love my creation?" How could I love
something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people
in the world and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I
answered, "Its hard to think of it, but I would still love you."

The Lord then asked me,

"If you were deaf, would you still listen to my word?" How could I listen to
anything being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely
using our
ears, but our hearts. I answered, "It would be tough, but I would still listen
to Your word."

The Lord then asked,

"If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?" How could I praise without
a voice? Then it occurred to me: God wants us to sing from our very heart and
soul. It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with
a song, but when we are persecuted, we give God praise with our words of
thanks. So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still
praise Your Name.

And the Lord asked,

"Do you really love Me"; With courage and a strong conviction, I answered
boldly, "Yes Lord! I love You because You are the one and true God!" I thought
I had answered well, but God asked, "THEN WHY DO YOU SIN?" I answered,
"Because I am only human. I am not perfect." "THEN WHY IN TIMES OF PEACE DO
YOU STRAY THE FURTHEST? WHY ONLY IN TIMES OF TROUBLE DO YOU PRAY THE EARNEST?"

No answers. Only tears.

The Lord continued:

"Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of
worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?"

The tears continued to roll down my cheeks.

"Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the good news? Why in
times of persecution, you cry to others when I offer My shoulder to cry on?
Why make excuses when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?"

I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have
blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have
revealed My Word to you, but you do not gain in knowledge. I have spoken to
you but your ears were closed. I have shown My blessings to you, but your eyes
were turned away. I have sent you servants, but you sat idly by as they were
pushed away. I have heard your prayers and I have answered them all."

"DO YOU TRULY LOVE ME ?"

I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no
excuse. What could I say to this? When I my heart had cried out and the tears
had flowed, I said, Please forgive me Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child."

The Lord answered, " That is My Grace, My child."

I asked, " Then why do you continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?"

The Lord answered,

"Because you are My creation. You are my child. I will never abandon you. When
you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you shout with joy, I
will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I
will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you
till the end of days, and I will love you forever."

Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I
have hurt God as I had done?

I asked God, "How much do You love me?"

The Lord stretched out His arms, and I saw His nail-pierced hands. I bowed
down at the feet of Christ, my Savior and for the first time, I truly prayed.

Author Unknown.

INVICTUS

INVICTUS

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

 Victorian poem by the English poet William Ernest Henley (1849–1903)

A message

Do not stand at my grave and weep

by Mary Elizabeth Frye

Do not stand at my grave and weep:

I am not there; I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,

I am the diamond glints on snow,

I am the sun on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starshine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry:

I am not there; I did not die.

Mother

A moving story about a favorite person in anybody's life.

Give Time To Our Family

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie. She said, “I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you.”

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my MOTHER, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally. That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. “What’s wrong, are you well?” she asked.

My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news. “I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you,” I responded. “Just the two of us.” She thought about it for a moment, and then said, “I would like that very much.”

That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary. She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel’s. “I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed, “she said, as she got into the car. “They can’t wait to hear about our meeting.”

We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady. After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mom sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips. “It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small,” she said. “Then it’s time that you relax and let me return the favor,” I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation – nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other’s life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, “I’ll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you.” I agreed.

“How was your dinner date?” asked my wife when I got home. “Very nice. Much more so than I could have imagined,” I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn’t have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place mother and I had dined. An attached note said: “I paid this bill in advance. I wasn’t sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates – one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son.”

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: “I LOVE YOU” and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than your family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off till “some other time.”

— bersama Hima Sudha Gummadi dan Mary Lou Jison-Dela Cruz.

 

Thoughts

Thoughts!!!

In a university commencement address several years ago, Brian Dyson, CEO of Coca Cola Enterprises, spoke of the relation of work to one's other commitments:

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. 

You name them work, family, health, friends and spirit - and you're

keeping all of these in the air. 

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. 

If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends and spirit - are made of glass. 

If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. 

You must understand that and strive for balance in your life."

How?

Don't undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. 

It is because we are different that each of us is special.

Don't set your goals by what other people deem important. 

Only you know what is best for you.

Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart. 

Cling to them as they would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.

Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. 

By living your life one day at a time, you live ALL the days of your life.

Don't give up when you still have something to give. 

Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.

Don't be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. 

It is this fragile thread that binds us to each together.

Don't be afraid to encounter risks. 

It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find. 

The quickest way to receive love is to give it; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only where you've been, but also where you are going.

Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

Don't be afraid to learn. 

Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.

Don't use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved.

Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored each step of the way. 

Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a Mystery and Today is a gift: 

that's why we call it The Present.

My wish

To my friends and family before my passing,

Send me flowers while I can see them.

Tell me you love me while I can hear it.

Kiss me while I am here to feel it.

Sing a song with me and not over me while I can sing it.

Stand with me and not at my grave while I am here to enjoy it.

Then when I am gone, do what you will with my body.

It is nothing but an empty shell.

If you want to find me, look to the heavens

For there my soul shall dwell

=Unknown=

Precious Memories

Precious Memories

You can't buy precious memories

With silver or with gold,

They come to us without a price
As the years of life unfold.

I've longed for many things in life,

some with hidden thorns of pain.

Knowing what was best for me,
God sent both sunshine and rain

.

Hard times teach us to appreciate

Good times when they come along,

If all of life was fun and pleasure,
How could we ever grow strong?

God in His infinite wisdom

has given me many good years,

taught me to suffer with others,
to feel their sorrows and tears.

So if you want precious memories 

As the years of life unfold,

Learn how to love one another,
It's worth more than silver or gold.

THE PARADOX OF OUR AGE

We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers;
wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints;
we spend more, but have less;
we buy more, but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families;
more conveniences, but less time;
we have more degrees, but less sense;
more knowledge, but less judgment;
more experts, but more problems;
more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much,
smoke too much,
spend too recklessly,
laugh too little,
drive too fast,

get too angry too quickly,
stay up too late,
get up too tired,

read too seldom,
watch TV too much,
and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom and lie too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life;
We've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We've conquered outer space, but not inner space;

We've done larger things, but not better things;
We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul;
We've split the atom, but not our prejudice;
We write more, but learn less;
We plan more, but accomplish less.

We've learned to rush, but not to wait;
We have higher incomes; but lower morals;
We have more food but less appeasement;
We build more computers to hold more information,
to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication;
We've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion;
tall men, and short character;
steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare;
more leisure and less fun;
more kinds of food, but less nutrition.

These are days of two incomes, but more divorce;
of fancier houses, but broken homes.

These are days of quick trips,
disposable diapers,
throwaway morality,
one-night stands,
overweight bodies,
and pills that do everything from cheer,
to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the show window
and nothing in the stockroom;
a time when technology can bring this letter to YOU,
and a time when you can CHOOSE either to make a difference,
or to just hit delete... choose delete, and you forfeit your right
to complain.
by Norris Peters

People in your life

People Come Into Your Life For A Reason, A Season Or A Lifetime

When you figure out which one it is, 
you will know what to do for each person. 
When someone is in your life for a REASON. . . 
It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. 
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, 
to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are!
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part,
or at an inconvenient time, this person will say
or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away. 
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. 
What we must realize is that our need has been met,
our desire fulfilled, their work is done. 
The prayer you sent up has been answered. 
And now it is time to move on.

Then people come into your life for a SEASON....
Because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons
: things you must build upon in order to have 
a solid emotional foundation. 
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all 
other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

My Son's Friend

 MY SON'S FRIEND

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and, before he gave his sermon for the evening, briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening. In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service. With that , an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak.

"A father, his son, and a friend of his son were sailing of the Pacific coast, " he began, "when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to the shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept in the ocean as the boat capsized." 

The old man hesitated for a moment, making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story.

The aged minister continued with his story, "grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life: to which boy he would throw the other end of the life line. He only had seconds to make the decision. The father knew that his son was a Christian and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. "As the father yelled out, "I love you son!" he threw out the lifeline to his son's friend. By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells into the black of the night. His body was never recovered."  

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in the pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old minister's mouth.

"The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus. Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend. How great is the love of God that He should do the same for us. Our Heavenly Father sacrificed His only begotten Son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept His offer to rescue you and take a hold of the life line He is throwing out to you in this service."

 

With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silenced filled the room. 

The pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end. However, no one responded to the appeal.

With in minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. "That was a nice story," politely stated one of the boys, "but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian,"

"Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn bible.  A big smile broadened his narrow face, he once again looked up at the boys and said,  "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I am standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up His Son for me. You see ...... I was that father and your pastor is my son's friend."

What will God ask from you?

God won't ask what kind of car you drove, but He'll ask how many people you helped get where they needed to go.

God won't ask the square footage of your house, but He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, but He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

God won't ask how many friends you had, but He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, but He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

God won't ask about the color of your skin, but He'll ask about the content of your character.

God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation, but He'll  lovingly take you to your mansion in Heaven, and not to the gates of hell.

The Carpenter

The Carpenter
Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side-by-side, sharing machinery and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small
misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference and finally, it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I 'm looking for a few days' work," he said.
"Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with?
Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor. In fact, it's my younger brother!
Last week there was a meadow between us. He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us.  Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day -- measuring, sawing and nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. 

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all.

It was a bridge .. A bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all! And the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched..

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder.

"No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.
"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but I have many more bridges to build."

Unconditional Love

Unconditional Love

A treasure to be cherished,

A gift from God above;

Is the beauty of a friendship,

Touched by unconditional love.

A love that asks no questions,

Believes in all the best;

Never doubting, ever trusting,

Withstanding any test.

A love that weathers any storm,

And yet that love still stands;

Through the very darkest hour,

It still reaches out a hand.

There in that hand the sweetest gift,

That you can give a friend;

A heart that cares, a love that shares,

That will be there till the end.

A treasure to be cherished,

A gift from God above;

Is what I share with you my friend,

An unconditional love.

This Poem was Graciously Donated by: Allison Chambers Coxsey

c1996

A friend

Portrait of a Friend

I can't give solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears.  But I can listen to you, and together we can seek answers.
I can't change your past with all it's heartache and pain, nor the future with it's untold stories. But I can be there now when you need me to care.

I can't keep your feet from stumbling. I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.

Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine.  Yet I can share in your laughter and joy.

Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge.  I can only support you, encourage you, and help you when you ask.

I can't give you boundaries which I have determined for you.  But I can give you the room to change, room to grow, room to be yourself.

I can't keep your heart from breaking and hurting.  But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces and put them back in place.

I can't tell you who you are. I can only love you and be your friend.

.............Author Unknown

Forgiveness

Forgiveness 

A letter written to a man on death row by the Father of the man whom the man on death row had killed:
"You are probably surprised that I, of all people, am writing a letter to you, but I ask you to read it in its entirety and consider its request seriously. As the Father of the man whom you took part in murdering, I have something very important to say to you.
I forgive you. With all my heart, I forgive you. I realize it may be hard for you to believe, but I really do. At your trial, when you confessed to your part in the events that cost my Son his life and asked for my forgiveness, I immediately granted you that forgiving love from my heart. I can only hope you believe me and will accept my forgiveness.
But this is not all I have to say to you. I want to make you an offer -- I want you to become my adopted child. You see, my Son who died was my only child, and I now want to share my life with you and leave my riches to you. This may not make sense to you or anyone else, but I believe you are worth the offer. I have arranged matters so that if you will receive my offer of forgiveness, not only will you be pardoned for your crime, but you also will be set free from your imprisonment, and your sentence of death will be dismissed. At that point, you will become my adopted child and heir to all my riches.
I realize this is a risky offer for me to make to you -- you might be tempted to reject my offer completely -- but I make it to you without reservation.
Also, I realize it may seem foolish to make such an offer to one who cost my Son his life, but I now have a great love and an unchangeable forgiveness in my heart for you.
Finally, you may be concerned that once you accept my offer you may do something to cause you to be denied your rights as an heir to my wealth. Nothing could be further from the truth. If I can forgive you for your part in my Son's death, I can forgive you for anything. I know you never will be perfect, but you do not have to be perfect to receive my offer. Besides, I believe that once you have accepted my offer and begin to experience the riches that will come to you from me, that your primary (though not always) response will be gratitude and loyalty.
Some would call me foolish for my offer to you, but I wish for you to call me your Father.
Sincerely,
The Father of Jesus"

One

ONE

One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.

One star can guide a ship at sea,
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.

One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.

One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.

One life can make the difference,
You see it's up to "You"

Author Unknown

The Sandpiper

The Sandpiper

by Robert Peterson 

She was six years old when I first met her on the beach near where I live. 

I drive to this beach, a distance of three or four miles, whenever the world begins to close in on me  She was building a sand castle or something and looked up, her eyes as blue as the sea.  

'Hello,' she said. 

  

I answered with a nod, not really in the mood to bother with a small child. 

'I'm building,' she said. 

'I see that.  What is it?'  I asked, not really caring. 

'Oh, I don't know, I just like the feel of sand.' 

That sounds good, I thought, and slipped off my shoes. 

A sandpiper glided by. 

'That's a joy,' the child said. 

'It's a what?' 

'It's a joy.  My mama says sandpipers come to bring us joy.' 

The bird went gliding down the beach.  Good-bye joy, I muttered to myself, hello pain, and turned to walk on.  I was depressed, my life seemed 

completely out of balance. 

'What's your name?'  She wouldn't give up. 

'Robert,' I answered..  'I'm Robert Peterson.' 

'Mine's Wendy... I'm six.' 

'Hi, Wendy.' 

She giggled.  'You're funny,' she said. 

 

In spite of my gloom, I laughed too and walked on. 

Her musical giggle followed me. 

'Come again, Mr. P,' she called.  'We'll have another happy day.' 

The next few days consisted of a group of unruly Boy Scouts, PTA meetings, and an ailing mother.  The sun was shining one morning as I took my hands out of the dishwater.  I need a sandpiper, I said to myself, gathering up my coat. 

 The ever-changing balm of the seashore awaited me. The breeze was chilly but I strode along, trying to recapture the serenity I needed.  

   

'Hello, Mr. P,' she said.  'Do you want to play?' 

  

'What did you have in mind?' I asked, with a twinge of annoyance. 

'I don't know.  You say.' 

'How about charades?'  I asked sarcastically. 

The tinkling laughter burst forth again.  'I don't know what that is.' 

  

'Then let's just walk.' 

Looking at her, I noticed the delicate fairness of her face. 

'Where do you live?' I asked. 

  

'Over there.'  She pointed toward a row of summer cottages. 

Strange, I thought, in winter. 

  

'Where do you go to school?' 

'I don't go to school.  Mommy says we're on vacation.' 

  

She chattered little girl talk as we strolled up the beach, but my mind was on other things.  When I left for home, Wendy said it had been a happy day.  Feeling surprisingly better, I smiled at her and agreed.  

   

Three weeks later, I rushed to my beach in a state of near panic.  I was in no mood to even greet Wendy.  I thought I saw her mother on the porch and felt like demanding she keep her child at home. 

  

'Look, if you don't mind,' I said crossly when Wendy caught up with me, 'I'd rather be alone today.'  She seemed unusually pale and out of breath.  

   

'Why?' she asked. 

  

I turned to her and shouted, 'Because my mother died!' and thought, My God, why was I saying this to a little child?  

   

'Oh,' she said quietly, 'then this is a bad day.' 

  

'Yes,' I said, 'and yesterday and the day before and -- oh, go away!' 

'Did it hurt?' she inquired. 

  

'Did what hurt?' I was exasperated with her, with myself. 

'When she died?' 

  

'Of course it hurt!' I snapped, misunderstanding, wrapped up in myself.  I strode off.  

   

A month or so after that, when I next went to the beach, she wasn't there. Feeling guilty, ashamed, and admitting to myself I missed her, I went up to the cottage after my walk and knocked at the door.  A drawn looking young woman with honey-colored hair opened the door. 

  

'Hello,' I said, 'I'm Robert Peterson.  I missed your little girl today and wondered where she was.'  

   

'Oh yes, Mr. Peterson, please come in.  Wendy spoke of you so much. I'm afraid I allowed her to bother you.  If she was a nuisance, please, accept my apologies.' 

  

'Not at all -- she's a delightful child.'  I said, suddenly realizing that I meant what I had just said.  

   

'Wendy died last week, Mr. Peterson.  She had leukemia. Maybe she didn't tell you.' 

  

Struck dumb, I groped for a chair.  I had to catch my breath. 

'She loved this beach, so when she asked to come, we couldn't say no. She seemed so much better here and had a lot of what she called happy days. But the last few weeks, she declined rapidly...' Her voice faltered, 'She left something for you, if only I can find it.  Could you wait a moment while I look?' 

  

I nodded stupidly, my mind racing for something to say to this lovely young woman.  She handed me a smeared envelope with 'MR. P' printed in bold  childish letters.  Inside was a drawing in bright crayon hues -- a yellow beach,  a blue sea, and a brown bird.  Underneath was carefully printed:  

A SANDPIPER TO BRING YOU JOY. 

Tears welled up in my eyes, and a heart that had almost forgotten to love opened wide.  I took Wendy's mother in my arms.  'I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry,  I'm so sorry,' I uttered over and over, and we wept together.  The precious little  picture is framed now and hangs in my study.  Six words -- one for each year of her life -- that speak to me of harmony, courage, and undemanding love.  

   

A gift from a child with sea blue eyes and hair the color of sand -- who taught me the gift of love. 

NOTE: This is a true story sent out by Robert Peterson.  It happened over 20 years ago and the incident changed his life forever.  It serves as a reminder to all of us that we need to take time to enjoy living and life and each other. The price of hating other human beings is loving oneself less. 

  

Life is so complicated, the hustle and bustle of everyday traumas can make us lose focus about what is truly important  or what is only a momentary setback or crisis.  

   

This week, be sure to give your loved ones an extra hug, and by all means, take a moment... even if it is only ten seconds, to stop and smell the roses. 

  

This comes from someone's heart, and is read by many and now I share it with you...  

   

May God Bless everyone who receives this!  There are NO coincidences! 

  

Everything that happens to us happens for a reason.  Never brush aside anyone as insignificant.  Who knows what they can teach us? 

I wish for you, a sandpiper.