Josh had always been a curious soul, eager to explore and often finding himself in tricky situations. As a boy, he’d once taken money from his mother’s purse without asking. Another time, he’d accidentally broken a neighbor’s window with a wild throw of a baseball. Each time, his mother’s reaction had been the same: stern but understanding. She took the time to explain the consequences of his actions, but also hugged him tightly, assuring him that mistakes were a part of learning.
Years passed, and Josh grew into a confident young man. He made new friends, and was excited about the path ahead with his young family. But life, with its unpredictable turns, once again caught Josh off guard. He made a poor choice that sat heavy in his heart. Overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation and the looming repercussions, Josh felt lost and alone.
He hesitated for days but finally mustered the courage to call his mother. The phone rang, and Josh’s heart raced. When she answered, her voice was calm and reassuring, just as it had always been. Josh poured out his heart, explaining the events that had unfolded and his deep regret.
After a long silence, his mother responded, “Josh, life is a journey of choices, and not all will be right. Remember the lessons from your youth. I’ve always believed in your ability to learn and grow from your missteps.”
Josh felt a warmth spread through him. In that moment, he knew he had an ally, a constant pillar of support in his mother.
Later, sitting together on their porch, his mother turned to him, her eyes reflecting the wisdom of the ages. “Josh,” she began, “just as I’ve always been here for you, there’s a greater presence watching over us all. Our Creator, in His infinite wisdom, measures justice against mercy. He wants nothing but the best for us. And sometimes, the best lessons come from our mistakes. Always know in your heart that He’s as understanding as I am, guiding us towards the right path, even when we falter.”
Josh listened intently, letting her words sink deep into his soul. In that very moment, he felt them taking root, promising to become his anchor in the challenging times ahead. A gentle reminder that with love, understanding, and faith, one can overcome any obstacle.
In the town of Lorehaven, vast fields lay fallow, with wildflowers battling for space against thorny weeds. Many gardeners had come and gone, each trying to nurture the land, but few succeeded.
In one corner of Lorehaven was a plot, wilting and neglected, which the town had almost forgotten. A plot named Sarah.
Sarah was weak, struggling to find her roots. Many had given up on her, leaving her exposed to the harsh environment. Until one day, a gardener named Katherine took notice of her.
Katherine had gardens of her own, but something in Sarah tugged at her heartstrings. She tended to Sarah with dedication, pulling out the weeds, nurturing the soil, and ensuring that Sarah received just the right amount of sun and water. Katherine whispered words of encouragement and love, helping Sarah fight through pests and droughts.
Years passed, and the once-barren plot bloomed with vigor. Sarah was transformed; flowers blossomed, fruits ripened, and she became the pride of Lorehaven. Sarah stood tall as a cheerleader among gardens, an athlete among fields.
But every plant has its roots, and Sarah’s stretched back to another—her first gardener, Maria. Maria, having faced storms and withered patches of her own, yearned for Sarah’s success. And when she saw the thriving garden, pride swelled in her heart. She walked amidst the town, speaking as if it was her hands alone that had nurtured Sarah to health.
Katherine, hearing Maria’s claims, felt a sting in her heart. The years of toil, the sweat, tears, and love she poured into Sarah, seemed to fade away with Maria’s words. She retreated to her own garden, her heart heavy.
One evening, as Katherine sat in the garden, an old wise woman named Athena approached. Athena had lived in Lorehaven longer than anyone else and was believed to be a messenger of the benevolent Creator.
Katherine shared her heart, the sorrow of her silent labor. Athena, with kind eyes, said, “Dear Katherine, in the world’s garden, plants bloom and wither, but the Creator sees every hand that nurtures, every heart that loves. It’s not about who gets the credit; it’s about the love and care you’ve sown. Sarah’s transformation is your silent testimony.”
“Then why does it hurt?” whispered Katherine.
Athena replied, “Because love, in its truest form, often goes unseen. But remember, when the sun sets, and all is quiet, the universe whispers tales of unsung heroes. You are one of them.”
Katherine looked at Sarah from afar, her garden shining in the moonlight. She realized that the joy was in the journey, the love in the labor, and the reward in the silent blossoms.
To all the Katherines of the world, the step-parents, the caregivers, the unsung heroes, the universe celebrates you. Your love, though silent, paints the most vibrant gardens.
In the soft, dim light of her childhood bedroom, a young woman stared out at the world outside, her silhouette blending with the shifting hues of twilight. The room, filled with mementos of a simpler past, seemed at odds with her current turmoil.
“Hey, Dad,” she whispered, not turning around, but sensing his presence at the door.
He stepped in, his eyes heavy with a mix of concern and an age-old wisdom. “Hello, sweet lady.”
She choked back tears, her voice quivering, “I feel like I’m crumbling. Every part of me seems out of place. Why won’t you fix it for me?”
He moved closer, sitting beside her. His voice gentle, yet firm, he confessed, “Sweetheart, as much as it aches to watch you struggle, I can’t always mend things for you.”
She looked at him, eyes brimming with tears, “Can’t you see the parts of me that are shattering? The dreams, the hopes, all falling apart?”
He touched her face, wiping away a tear. “I see them. But let those fragments lie for a bit. They might have fallen away for a reason.”
She buried her face in her hands, “It’s all too much. I feel so lost.”
He pulled her into an embrace, whispering, “My love, you’re not breaking down. You’re breaking through. These feelings? They’re growing pains. You’re outgrowing what doesn’t belong in your story anymore. You aren’t falling apart; it’s everything realigning.”
Pulling away slightly, she met his gaze, “But what if I let go of too much? What will remain?”
He smiled, a warm reassuring smile, “Only the purest parts of you. The core of who you truly are.”
She rested her head on his shoulder, “I’m afraid of losing myself in all this.”
He gently tilted her chin, ensuring their eyes met, “You’re not losing yourself. You’re finding yourself. Every piece you shed, every challenge you face is guiding you to the person you’re meant to be.”
She sighed, her vulnerability evident, “But who am I meant to be? I don’t know anymore.”
He kissed her forehead, “Someone of kindness, resilience, love, and patience. I know it’s hard. I wish I could shield you from every storm, but sometimes, it’s during the storm that we discover our true strength.”
A tear slid down her face, “Every setback feels like a blow, Dad. I feel so fragile.”
He held her tight, “And with every blow, you’re carving out the masterpiece that is you. Struggles don’t change who you are. They reveal you.”
She took a deep breath, “I’m just… scared.”
He smiled, eyes glistening, “And it’s okay. Every dawn starts in darkness. You’re not broken, darling. You’re on the verge of a new day. Embrace it. Become.”
She looked up at him, eyes filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty, “Promise you’ll be there when I need you?”
Hugging her close, he whispered, “Always. In the ways that matter most.”
The room settled into a peaceful quiet, a testament to the bond between a father and a daughter. As days turned to years, and years to a lifetime, the young woman often reflected on that conversation. She came to realize that, just as her father was there for her, there was a larger force, a Creator, guiding each of us. With every trial and triumph, He seemed to whisper, “Become, my child. Just become.” And with time, she learned that in looking forward, we must have faith, and in looking back, we gain wisdom.
In the grand mosaic of life, every thread of encounter weaves a story of enchantment and transformation. Such is the tale of an evening orchestrated by my dear friend, Dan Clark, a man with an uncanny ability to unfold memorable experiences, as vibrant as a constellation in the cosmic expanse of our lives.
The event was a promise of star-gazing – an invitation that sparked my curiosity, despite my apprehension of its premature start time, hours before the stars typically adorn the night sky. Life’s twists and turns almost thwarted this journey, with my wife Kim unable to accompany me, and the tumultuous current of traffic, tempting me to retreat. Yet, the gravity of my word to Dan guided my course steadfast, leading me to the heart of an evening I scarcely envisioned.
Arriving at the venue, initial impressions hinted at the familiar salesmanship of a multi-level marketing gathering. My heart, momentarily, dipped into a well of skepticism. Little did I know, the next three hours would unravel an unforgettable experience, and my spirit would rise higher than ever.
Our celestial guides for the evening were the gracious Marsha and David Derrick. David, an astrophysicist immersed in the astounding enigma of our cosmos, navigated us through an evening of enlightenment and discovery. The specifics of my learning, I cannot encapsulate within these words, as they’ll gradually unfold in the chapters of my life and future narrations. Yet, to ignite your curiosity, let me share the illuminating revelation of embracing our failures, gaining a profound perspective of life, and understanding that our universe’s vastness, while beyond comprehension, houses answers to life’s complex unknowns when we dare to step outside our conventional boxes.
I look back at that evening with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and awe. Every skeptical thought is now replaced with a firm belief in the power of exploration and sharing experiences. I stand humbled by the extraordinary wisdom imparted by Dan, Marsha, and David. Our time together was a priceless gift, forever etched in the recesses of my mind.
The extraordinary journey in the Derricks’ company has not only altered the way I perceive the world but reaffirmed my faith in the boundless possibilities of the universe. My heart swells with gratitude for their time, and I eagerly look forward to sharing this treasure with others.
In every sense, this rendezvous was an exquisite cosmic dance, painting our ordinary lives with hues of wonderment and teaching us to embrace the beauty of the unknown. May we all find the courage to venture into the unknown and share our learnings to inspire others, just as I have been so profoundly moved. Because, in sharing, we give the most significant gift of all: a piece of ourselves, an illumination of another’s path.
Freedom. A simple word, but one that holds tremendous power and meaning. Freedom is a fundamental human right, a cornerstone of democracy, and a value that people worldwide have fought and died for.
But what is freedom, exactly? At its core, freedom is the ability to live our lives as we see fit, without interference or coercion from others. It is the freedom to think, speak, and act as we choose without fear of retribution or punishment. It is the freedom to pursue our dreams and aspirations and to live in a world where we are judged not by our race, gender, religion, or nationality but by the content of our character.
Freedom is also a responsibility. With freedom comes the obligation to use it wisely, to respect the rights and freedoms of others, and to contribute to the common good. We must be mindful of our action’s impact on others and strive to create a world where everyone can live a life of purpose.
Freedom is not a reality for everyone. Far too many people worldwide are still denied their fundamental human rights, oppressed, and unable to live as they choose. From the brutal dictatorships of China, North Korea, and Turkey (I didn’t have any idea before meeting Enes), to the systemic oppression of minorities in many countries, to the everyday injustices people face worldwide, we still have a long way to go in the struggle for freedom and equality.
We can’t lose hope. As we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy today, we must remember that work must still be done. We must stand in solidarity with those oppressed and marginalized and work tirelessly to ensure everyone can enjoy the same freedoms we may sometimes take for granted.
Freedom is not just a word. It is a way of life. It is the foundation upon which we build our communities, societies, and world. Let us all commit ourselves to the cause of freedom, and in doing so, let us create a world that is truly just, equal, and free for all.
It is the seemingly small things in life that make a difference.
We live in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. It seems there isn’t time to stop and reflect on all the good surrounding us. If we were to rely on news reports, we would be drowned in darkness designed to draw our attention. Stories capture our mindfulness because they are rare and unusual. In innocence, we begin to sense the headlines are an account of real life.
Adding to the 24-hour news, our free time is often filled with social media that has moved us away from personal interaction. Contributors glamorize life and remove essential components of effective communication. Commenters freely exchange as if humanity no longer existed.
If the future seems to be clouding over a rich history of days gone by, be assured it isn’t. The sun is shining brightly on a world filled with opportunity. A light exposing a collection of wonderful kindhearted people who give of themselves so that others can feel someone cares.
Caring is the magic of a joy-filled day. The secret passion that guides our way, clearing cluttered paths of opportunity. It is the power behind encouragement helping us reach our dreams just as we were ready to give up.
I shout out to a friend, Jamie Johnson, who takes her time to acknowledge another. Her words mean the world to me and act as a reminder that I can do better to do the same. Our light burns brightest when we shine ours on those around us. Thank you, Jamie! Your selfless act made my day.
Joy can be found in the most uncomplicated times. While driving home last night after a day where wintery white snows blanketed the Salt Lake Valley. I came upon an incident where a brave soul was battling the elements to help a stranded driver stuck in the snow.
As I approached, I could see the helper had strategically placed their car so that traffic in both directions could see the potential harm. The driver was petite, not fully understanding how to navigate snow-covered streets. The male helper appeared to be in control, offering advice and pushing as the car moved.
Then it hit me; as the helper turned, I saw it was my son who quickly brought to my attention that the car was his and he had stopped to rescue a soul in need. Before you ask, I couldn’t stop safely but looked in my rearview mirror to see Jake had successfully got this person on their way.
As I summoned Siri to call, my heart filled with pride, knowing perhaps our parenting had paid off! Learning our legacy through our children may perpetuate goodness in our world.
Not all will stop, I haven’t always been good at it, we often think they will be okay, someone else will stop, or I don’t have enough time. Yet, when we think about a mother, wife, or daughter who may need help, we turn toward helping every time.
You see, our children develop through maternal sensitivity, social, emotional, and cognitive attributes that place in the heart goodness that enables service-mindedness. In comparison, the paternal bond stimulates openness to the outside world.
As joy rushed through my soul, I thought this manly man had acted on instincts he would pass on as he now shares with his wife the development of our grandchildren. I see Sara holding close and Jake saying, let them go. Mom, be careful, Dad, you can do it. This encouragement allows for risk-taking from a place of safety. It is how we help and succeed in life.
Thank you, Jake! For making my holiday spirit fit the celebration we honor. For One greater than us all has given an example to follow. Merry Christmas, friends. And happy holidays to those who are celebrating other meaningful events.
It may be the time of year or merely the fortune of turning around your perspective!
Not long ago, a miserable soul was found complaining again; however, what was new was that he didn’t play a part in the poor me saga.
Many in the office where he worked and the places he frequented grew tired of hearing how bad things were and that the end of the world was near. Not only were his words negative, but the aura that seemed to follow him like a dark cloud on a sunny day.
It wasn’t uncommon for you to see people outwardly avoid contact, which only seemed to add to his disdain for life. I’m this, he’s that, and the sky is falling. If you want to learn about anything disturbing, you only need to find five minutes to spare in listening to endless stories of woe.
On a day where first snows fell, causing traffic delays, one might expect an unusual audience surrounding this contrary soul as did on this cold morning. But it seemed more than that; people were engaged, seeming to have a meaningful conversation.
As one walked near, you could sense something was different, so many stayed to listen. Poor me moved to please help as he mindfully expressed the need for a nephew in pain. You see, the story wasn’t about how bad the world is, but what may be done for a family in need.
His nephew was burdened by aging parents, who adopted their son late in life. The father had a stroke as the mother, his sister, dealt with a terminal illness. The son was barely hanging on as he did all in his power to support his parents, who had been so good to him over his life. Money was tight, helping hands limited, and a shortage of time to do all that was needed.
All that was asked was for those who could to offer prayers of support that somehow, someway, this struggling family would find peace.
What happened next changed a life, which in turn changed a community. These listening ears gathered privately and decided they would act as secret Santas performing miracles to provide for the family.
Food and money were donated, professional services were offered under a secret code of wanting nothing more than to spread goodwill.
That’s when the miracle happened. As gifts came flowing in daily, the unhappy soul began to realize the world wasn’t how he saw it. Fact is, it was astonishing how his sister’s family became uplifted in a time of suffering. Prayer was answered, but by who?
Not long after the holiday, she passed. But it was with joy in her heart that she was able to witness a transformation she had only hoped for in her brother.
She felt he would never realize true happiness. The kind of happiness that comes to those who give of themselves. He didn’t give because he felt he never received. She would tell him that he walked a path of self-fulfilling prophecy. But he couldn’t see it past his misguided philosophies.
Because coworkers acted in protected silence, he couldn’t figure out who was doing the work. If he went to the store, he thought it could be them, to the post office them as well. At work, not out of the question as each group was asked to help. Then he began thinking it could be anyone on the street or in the community. As his curiosity grew, so did his willingness to express gratitude.
What once was a dark world of self-centered people grinding through life, taking where they could. Was now, people shining brilliantly with hope and respect wanting nothing more than to provide for others where possible. They were people who thought of others first, offering a helping hand even when it was difficult. As they gave, his heart began to turn. He now wanted to give with what seemed to be an endless supply of love.
As he gave, he received, opening the doors of opportunity. What once felt like the parting Red Sea became open arms wanting to hang around him. Nothing changed; he changed. They were always good; he didn’t see it. To not offend the possible secret Santa, all became the Santa in his eyes. As they did, he became the Santa in their eyes.
What he learned is a secret to some. We see what we look for. If you want to see the good in people, look for it, it is there in shining colors. And when you see the good in others, your goodness shines bright, creating an aura so distinct it attracts. The world becomes a glorious display of unique color-seeking good.
Don’t wait for a secret Santa to change who you are; become one. Who knows you may receive more than you could ever dream possible.
Our world has fallen victim to a lexicon for political views. Snowflake is thrown around such that it is now defined as an overly sensitive person, incapable of dealing with any opinions that differ from their own. More egregious uses are meant to hurt feelings by suggesting that a flake has no spine and needs to be kept in the dark cold to survive. If light shines upon them, they melt, turn to water, and drift away.
While I can’t find a new meaning defined in a dictionary, deplorable holds similar hope in demeaning those who believe in a Supreme Being, are patriotic to America, and don’t want the long arm of government to control their lives. Hillary added to laughter racists, sexist, homophobic, etc. She felt this basket of people she called out were women and men who supported her opponent.
Social media starts with a tweet or a post stating a writer’s position. Our culture reacts by who they think the writer is, a snowflake or a deplorable, then weighs in with support or denial. When there is disagreement, the debate will always bring hostility to the subject’s original intent or those with differing views. They can’t have an opinion; they are on the other team! The comments will get away from the content or topic, focusing on the controversy, adding facts where the words can dig further into the heart of someone they destain.
Because of this demoralizing, hide behind the keyboard world of communicating, many withhold participating, not wanting to get into the conflict. My opinion is that the cancel culture has created an environment where many well-minded people are less inclined to engage. Richard Nixon coined the term the silent majority before social media ever existed. They hold an essential position in our culture and aren’t engaging, from what I can see.
Culture has been much further downstream from politics before social media, as was religion and many other aspects of our daily lives. Today’s environment of twenty-four hours of entertainment masquerading as news adds to the fury. It has pulled the political world into our culture. We don’t see the healthy discussion that grew our country into the greatest nation on earth anymore. It is us against them, a civil war. There is no admiration for someone thoughtful enough to debate with an open mind.
There is only one way to curb the tide. It is with unity. Unity starts with humility, love, and respect. If we see one another as snowflakes or a basket of deplorables engaging in a political war, no dialog will find common ground. We infect our group(s) into falling deeper and deeper into extremes when we shun a differing view or only listen to those we sense are from similarly minded people.
I self describe myself as part of the silent majority. That group doesn’t have large populations of either political party. We are a group that values diversity, knowing by history what sharing ideas have given us. It comes from conversations I have outside the world of authors or trolls posting away into the world of social media. Our world is filled with love and compassion held by an assortment of people. We are united.
When we converse in person, it is easy to see a different view is based on the topic at hand. Not something to be held personally. When we get into social media, most take a unique perspective as personal and shut down. They take offense to either double down or feel devalued. It is unhealthy—counter to our daily personal conversations, against what will continue to move us forward as a nation.
As we do in person, we need to realize that most online communication shows a view perhaps unseen by a homogeneous group. I have taken to social media with ideas I haven’t read on social media. I intend not to sit idle, showing we can have our views and not become victims. It hasn’t always gone well. I will take responsibility for stirring the pot occasionally, so a differing opinion is cast into the dialog. I love when my friends debate points. Together we become better. I have gone wrong by not respecting a position where fingers are pointed rather than discussion held. I am sorry for those times if I have offended someone.
If I write going forward, my views come from being an unapologetic Christian, believing in families, knowing self-reliance builds independence, and that all are safe in my space. Safe meaning I listen, holding no judgment so that I can learn.
If you have read this far, know of my love and admiration. Not only for who you are, but how you will add to my life.
