Words To Live By

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass -- it's about learning to dance in the rain!  - Author Unknown

This was sent to me in an e-mail and it really touched me.  I hope it inspires you!

I showered and shaved............... I adjusted my tie.

I got there and sat............... In a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes...

I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed.

With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, 'Why must our soles touch?'

It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much.

A prayer began : 'Our Father'.............. I thought, 'This man with the shoes, has no pride.

They're dusty, worn, and scratched. Even worse, there are holes on the side!'

'Thank You for blessings,' the prayer went on.

The shoe man said............... A quiet 'Amen.'

I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes again.

Aren't we supposed to look our best. When walking through that door?

'Well, this certainly isn't it,' I thought, Glancing toward the floor..

Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began.

The shoe man was certainly loud..... Sounding proud as he sang.

His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high.

The Lord could surely hear. The shoe man's voice from the sky.

It was time for the offering...... And what I threw in was steep.

I watched as the shoe man reached..... Into his pockets so deep.

I saw what was pulled out............ What the shoe man put in.

Then I heard a soft 'clink' . As when silver hits tin.

The sermon really bored me............ To tears, and that's no lie.

It was the same for the shoe man.... For tears fell from his eyes.

At the end of the service...... As is the custom here.

We must greet new visitors, And show them all good cheer.

But I felt moved somehow................ And wanted to meet the shoe man.

So after the closing prayer......... I reached over and shook his hand.

He was old and his skin was dark.... And his hair was truly a mess.

But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.

He said, 'My names' Charlie............. I'm glad to meet you, my friend.'

There were tears in his eyes........ But he had a large, wide grin.

'Let me explain,' he said.......... Wiping tears from his eyes.

'I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.''

'I know that my appearance............'Is not like all the rest.

'But I really do try.................'To always look my best..'

'I always clean and polish my shoes..'Before my very long walk.

'But by the time I get here..........'They're dirty and dusty, like chalk.'

My heart filled with pain.......... And I swallowed to hide my tears.

As he continued to apologize........... For daring to sit so near

He said, 'When I get here..............'I know I must look a sight.

'But I thought if I could touch you..'Then maybe our souls might unite.'

I was silent for a moment............ Knowing whatever was said

Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head.

'Oh, you've touched me,' I said.......'And taught me, in part;

'That the best of any man................'Is what is found in his heart.'

The rest, I thought,....................... This shoe man will never know.

Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my soul

Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will.  Remember, everyone needs a friend.

Quotes To Ponder

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale had some very wise words to share.  Regardless of your particular religious beliefs, they really are very valuable:

When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.

Drop the idea that you are Atlas carrying the world on your shoulders. The world would go on even without you. Don't take yourself so seriously.

Those who are fired with an enthusiastic idea and who allow it to take hold and dominate their thoughts find that new worlds open for them. As long as enthusiasm holds out, so will new opportunities.

It is of practical value to learn to like yourself. Since you must spend so much time with yourself you might as well get some satisfaction out of the relationship.

Joy increases as you give it, and diminishes as you try to keep it for yourself. In giving it, you will accumulate a deposit of joy greater than you ever believed possible.

Believe it is possible to solve your problem. Tremendous things happen to the believer. So believe the answer will come. It will.

Never talk defeat. Use words like hope, belief, faith, victory.

Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful.

The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.

A positive mental attitude is a belief that things are going to turn out well, and that you can overcome any kind of trouble or difficulty.

The tests of life are not meant to break you, but to make you.

Live your life and forget your age.

If there is no fun in it, something is wrong with all you are doing.

Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that.

Who Can Turn the World On With Their Smile?

Borrowing from the theme song to the Mary Tyler Moore show, who can turn the world on with their smile?

The answer?  Everyone.   That may seem sappy or even unrealistic, but in actual fact, studies have shown that smiles have an incredible impact on the self and others.

I'm certainly not saying that a smile can make everything better or that a smile is even easy to muster sometimes -- but, try it.  Try thinking of something good in life.  Think about something that makes you happy and almost without your knowledge, you'll find yourself smiling.

So maybe try to turn the world on with you smile!  :)