DAY OF REFLECTION

Today is Fathers Day in the U.S. On this day families and individuals across the country will have special gatherings and provide gifts celebrating the position and role of fathers in our lives. Celebrating men who help provide for, teach, protect, correct and live as examples for their children. I find with each passing year I understand and appreciate my father more and more. 

For some, this is not a special day or a day of celebration. They may not know their father or may have had a father who didn't provide, wasn't a good teacher, good example or even a good person. Their father may even have been hurtful to them. I recently wrote of the principle that we can learn and or benefit from any experience ( What can I learn from this?). That can apply today to the experience of a father in your life. Some people are examples of what to do and be in life. A person can also be an example of 'what not to do and be in life.' Today, perhaps we can reflect and consider the blessings of what we have, what we are and what we have learned as a result of our father. Whether your father was present or not, loving or not, a good example or not, we can learn and benefit if we choose to do so. 

GRATITUDE for the UNEXPECTED

We try to live our lives as predictable, safe and routine as possible. We would rather not have surprises or unexpected events. Living life expectantly keeps things in perspective, helps maintain lower stress levels and makes planning  easier. 

I have learned that it's in the unexpected events that I experience the most learning, growth and at times the greatest joy. We can learn and even relearn important lessons from any experience. "What can I learn from this?" can be an insightful and life altering question to answer for ourselves. 

Earlier today, I stopped at a gas station / mini market near my home to purchase my favorite canned soft drink. As I entered the market I walked to the cooler where I knew my particular soft drink is ALWAYS found. I opened the cooler door and saw that the space usually occupied by my drink was filled with a different drink. ZAP! My routine, which I had comfortably repeated many times before, was disrupted, thrown completely off! I just stood there... staring ... Kinda lost. I then heard a sweet soft voice say, "did you want this one?" I was a little stunned!  There was no one standing anywhere near me. I looked around...nothing. Then, appearing directly before my eyes, was a gloved hand protruding from within the cooler holding my particular soft drink. Boy Howdy! I was taken back a bit. Then peering into the low light within the cooler I saw one of the employees gently smiling at me. She was restocking the coolers, recognized me and knows what I drink. My routine broken, I was preparing for disappointment, but no...I got the unexpected. 

The unexpected serves a valued purpose. Cherish those events, opportunities and periods of growth. 

ENJOY THE VIEW

We are all on a journey. Our paths, though similar at times, are very individual.  The daily climb of the stairway  which is life can cause us to become weary. We become fatigued. Each step may seem a little more difficult.  The staircase may feel unending. These thoughts and feelings come when we stare only at our feet, our posture becomes slumped and we focus on our discomfort. If we will remember to breath, stand erect with confidence, and take time to enjoy the changing view with each ascending step, we find joy in the journey, and life has meaning and purpose. 

TAKE A CHANCE

Some people dread the same old thing day after day. Some people go through the motions but don't really feel anything. Then there are people who find joy  and excitement in each day. To live the enriched joyful life we must step out of our comfort zone, take a risk, step out on faith. If you want your life to be different, do something different. Take a chance. 

VIEW FROM A TRAIN

A 24 year old boy looking out from the train window shouted... "dad, look the trees are going behind!" Dad smiled as a young couple sitting nearby looked at the 24 year olds childish behavior with pity as he suddenly again exclaimed... "dad, look the clouds are running with us!" The couple couldn't resist and said to the old man, " why don't you take your son to a good doctor?" The old man smiled and said,"I did and we are just coming from the hospital, my son was blind from birth, he just received his sight today." 

Every single person on the planet has a story. Don't judge people before you truly know them. The truth might surprise you. 

HEAVEN AND HELL

A great Samurai warrior went to see a little monk. "Monk," he said in a voice accustomed to instant obedience, "teach me about heaven and hell!" The monk looked up at this mighty warrior and replied with utter disdain. "Teach you about heaven and hell? I couldn't teach you about anything. You're dirty. You smell. Your blade is rusty. You're a disgrace, an embarrassment to the Samurai class. Get out of my sight. I can't stand you." The Samurai was furious. He shook, became all red in the face, was speechless with rage. He drew his sword and raised it above him, preparing to slay the monk. "That's hell," said the monk softly. The Samurai was overwhelmed. The compassion and surrender of this little man who had offered his life to give this teaching to show him hell! He slowly put down his sword, filled with gratitude and suddenly peaceful. "And that's heaven," said the monk softly. 

A FORMER CHILD'S STORY

A message for all of us because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say. 

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator and I immediately wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a stray cat and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life. When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should share with those who don't. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's alright to cry. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up. When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say," Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."

Each of us influences the life of a child. How will you touch the life of someone today?