As adults we are often subjected to significant demands at work and at home. It’s very easy to get caught up with it all and lose touch with those events that create hope in our lives. In her book, “Nature – Sense of Wonder,” Rachel Carson captures the challenge that we face as adults:
“A child’s world is fresh and new and beautiful, full of wonder and excitement. It is our misfortune that for most of us, that clear-eyed vision, that true instinct for what is beautiful and awe-inspiring, is dimmed and even lost before we reach adulthood. If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder so indestructible that it would last throughout life, as an unfailing antidote against the boredom and disenchantments of later years, the sterile preoccupation with things that are artificial, the alienation from the sources of our strength.”
Let’s remember to look at life through the eyes of a child and recapture that which will bring a sparkle to our eye and a smile to our face. Start looking today and you will surely find it.
LOVE
A few years ago I had an insightful moment that permanently changed the way I viewed love, the holidays, and the act of giving and receiving. A friend of mine challenged me by asking, “Mike, how does it feel to give to others?” Of course, my response to this question was, “It feels great!” He continued, “Well, if giving is such a fulfilling experience, why won’t you let others give to you? Why won’t you give others the opportunity to feel the satisfaction that you just described? You are the one that always picks up the tab.”
It felt like I had been hit over the head with a two-by-four. I instantly thought of the disappointed look on my daughter’s face when I told her that she should not have spent so much money on her Christmas present for me. I had learned a valuable lesson that I would not forget. Giving and receiving are one and the same. It is a law similar to the laws in physics.
The more we give and receive, the more satisfaction we will reap in our personal and professional life - it’s that simple. It is in our nature to give and receive love, and this is true of many other living creatures as well.
Let me give you an example. When I was a small child, I had a dog named Shamus who demonstrated this law beautifully. He was often referred to as that “hairy ball of love.” It was his mission in life to give everybody he met all of his love with as much affection and sloppy licks as he could muster. When he was done giving his love, he would move closer and be still so we could pat him on the head. When he received enough pats on the head, he would roll over on his back to give us the opportunity to scratch his chest and belly. He would even let out a few groans to let us know that we were doing a good job.
Shamus wasn’t giving his love to obligate people to pat him on the head. He simply thrived on giving and receiving love! It was his nature to express both with all of his being. We are designed the same way. It really doesn’t matter what we give, as long as it’s from our heart. So, I’d encourage you to give and receive as much love as you can and then watch as miracles happen in your life.
If we can take time to nurture our relationships, become alert to that which brings a sparkle to our eye, and give and receive lots of love; we will most certainly get through these difficult times together. In closing, perhaps it is best to remember the eloquent and gentle exhortation of Desiderata:
Desiderata,
By Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,and remember what peace there may be in silence.As far as possible without surrenderbe on good terms with all persons.Speak your truth quietly and clearly;and listen to others,even the dull and the ignorant;they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,they are vexations to the spirit.If you compare yourself with others,you may become vain and bitter;for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.Exercise caution in your business affairs;for the world is full of trickery.But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;many persons strive for high ideals;and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.Especially, do not feign affection.Neither be cynical about love;for in the face of all aridity and disenchantmentit is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,gracefully surrendering the things of youth.Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline,be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,no less than the trees and the stars;you have a right to be here.And whether or not it is clear to you,no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,whatever you conceive Him to be,and whatever your labors and aspirations,in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,it is still a beautiful world.Be cheerful.Strive to be happy.
Wishing you much faith, hope and love.
