Be Inspired Today

How often do you find yourself inspired by the actions of others? Maybe there is someone you admire or see as a role model. Maybe you had a favorite teacher in school. Sometimes you have the pleasure of meeting someone like this. I had a chance to get to know someone, who was only in my life for a short time, yet the impact was one I noticed. I was able to see a lot of strength in this person and want to draw upon that same strength in myself. I learned from knowing this person that I had a lot of talent and skill. This particular person helped me to change my lifestyle for the better, helped me to see myself in a better light, and helped me to laugh at some of my problems. They brought joy to my cloudy days and added sunshine and smiles. I hope that I continue to encounter such wonderful people, who are out to help others achieve great goals, and to live a better life. If I ever get the chance to see this person again, I hope I get the chance to say thank you personally.
Next time you see someone who you admire or look up to, let them know. I bet they will appreciate hearing that someone sees them as such a positive influence. Too often people get caught up in negative judgements and stereotypes. I hope more people learn to be compassionate towards others and get to know someone for who they really are. I think that is a great lesson that I can pass on to others that I meet.

In my experience, sometimes the holidays can be depressing. There is a lot of hustle and bustle to get the shopping done, to get cookies baked, to decorate a tree, amongst other things. I found that it was hard to keep the Christmas Spirit in me. So, when I came across this poem, I thought it was perfect to help keep Christmas alive in our hearts all year long. I hope you too will find that same spirit and carry it with you. Enjoy!

"Santa's Secret Wish" by Betty Werth

On Christmas Eve, a young boy with light in his eyes, looked deep into Santa's, to Santa's surprise, and said as he nestled on Santa's broad knee, "I want your secret. Tell it to me."
He leaned up and whispered in Santa's good ear, "How do you do it, year after year?"
"I want to know how, as you travel about, giving gifts here and there, you never run out. How is it, dear Santa, that in your pack of toys, you have plenty for all of the world's girls and boys? From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large and small, from nation to nation, reaching them all?"
And Santa smiled kindly and said to the boy, "Don't ask me hard questions. Don't you want a toy?" But the child shook his head, and Santa could see that he needed the answer. "Now, listen to me," he told the small boy with the light in his eyes, "My secret will make you sadder, and wise." "The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside, it holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride. But, although I do visit each girl and each boy, I don't always leave them a gaily wrapped toy. Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad. Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad. Some homes are broken, and children there grieve. Those homes, I visit, but what should I leave? "My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff, but for homes where despair lives, toys aren't enough. So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl and boy, and pray with them that they'll be given the joy of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives in the heart of the dear child who gets not but gives. If only God hears me and answers my prayer, when I visit next year, what I will find there are homes filled with peace, and with giving and love and boys and girls gifted with light from above. It's a very hard task, my smart little brother, to give toys to some and to give prayers to others. But the prayers are the best gifts, the best gifts indeed. For God has a way of meeting each need. That's part of the answer. The rest, my dear youth, is that my sack is magic, and that is the truth. In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day, more love than a Santa could ever give away. The sack never empties of love, nor of joys 'cause inside it are prayers, and hopes. Not just toys. The more that I give, the fuller it seems, because giving is my way of fulfiling dreams. "And do you know something? You've got a sack too. It's as magic as mine, and it's inside of you. It never gets empty, it's full from the start. It's the center of lights, and of love. It's your heart. And if on this Christmas you want to help me, don't be so concerned with the gifts 'neath the tree. Open that sack called your heart, and share your joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care. " The light in the small boy's eyes was glowing. "Thanks for the secret, I have to get going." "Wait, little boy, " said Santa "don't go. Will you share? Will you help? Will you use what you know?" And just for a moment the small boy stood still, touched his heart with his small hand and whispered, "I will."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

When you think of friendship, what comes to mind? Do you think about what traits you look for in a friend? What common interests do you share with friends? What would life be like without good friends? As you think about these questions, I hope you will take the time to read this poem. I found it a few years ago, but liked it so much, that I decided to dig it up again. Enjoy!

"Portrait of a Friend"
I can't give you solutions to all of life's problems, doubts, or fears.
But I can listen to you, and together we will search for an answer.

I can't change your past with all its heartache and pain or the future
with its 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 aren't mine.
Yet, I can share in your laughter.

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 prevent you from falling away from friendship, from
your values, from me. I can only pray for you, talk to you, and
wait for you.

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 or 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)
Please, feel free to post a comment of your own about this poem or any of the above questions.
Thanks.