Like so many of you, my current schedule is very challenging. A friend of mine stated to me last night that she is incredulous that I even have the energy to create a blog post! I tried (unsuccessfully) to wave her comment off, but she continued to stress how serious she was with her point. I admitted that most blogs take me between three and four hours to create, and I suspected this was what she was focusing on. She confirmed that it was, so with this exchange fresh in my mind, I can assure you that this post will be much shorter!
I don't know about you, but I am absolutely awestruck by the sheer power that a sincere word of love and encouragement spoken by a stranger or a friend alike can have on my day. When a person stops what they are doing to tell you that something you may have said or done brightened their world, that becomes a powerful moment!
In this regard, I want to thank the people who read this blog site, particularly those of you who stopped by to listen to my visit with Doug Miles and Melinda Tredaway this past Sunday during "The Doug Miles Interview". I am also deeply appreciative to those of you who listened to the broadcast but chose to "lurk". Lurkers are ALWAYS welcomed here on my website. Either way, I remain grateful. Our topic of Trevor Tredaway was the focal point.
One of the dynamics of a fluid conversation is that a shared thought might be started only to be left unfinished. I have to laugh at myself because this was the case with me a few times during that broadcast. Nevertheless, I remain convinced that the passion and energy you heard more than made up for any of my unfinished thoughts that allowed me to have a good laugh at myself!
Just the same, I would like to complete one of my unfinished thoughts because it is a poignant one.
If I had a map of the United States in front of me, along with some colored yarn and push-pins, here is what the events of 2007 to the present would look like, relative to the families whose lives have intersected with mine for a reason. Assuming the push pin pattern came with instructions about where to place the pins and the yarn, it would look like this:
Directions for Posting Pins & Yarn Map
- Cincinnati, Ohio to Cape Girardeau, Missouri
- Florence, Kentucky to Sarasota, Florida
- Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Florence, Kentucky
- Florence, Kentucky to Benton, Kentucky
- Lubbock, Texas to Florence, Kentucky
- Florence, Kentucky to Midland, Texas
- Florence, Kentucky to Lubbock, Texas
- Lubbock, Texas to Scottsdale, Arizona
- Scottsdale, Arizona to Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Scottsdale, Arizona to Tempe, Arizona
- Scottsdale, Arizona to Sarasota, Florida
What the colorful push-pins and yarn wouldn't reveal to you on this map, however, is this:
- 4 Families
- 16 People
- 1 purpose: Helping one another.
It's that simple. So tonight, I pray with an Attitude of Gratitude for the Miracle of Friends, of Opportunities to Love, Care and Share, of Smiles and Laughter (and yes, sometimes even Tears). But overall, for the Joy of just knowing that we all have gifts and talents to share and exchange, "To lighten the load, and make bad days Better and good days Great!"
To hear the three of us on that broadcast doing exactly this only confirms to me with my Faith that 2012 will bring forth Good News. It will be bring together new events filled with people and places and--I believe--some surprising breakthroughs.
Yours Truly, Age 10
(February as I recall...)
So Stay Tuned. Become Involved. Dare to Love. Dare to Care. Dare to Risk. Dare to Feel and Be Real. As I said on Sunday, "We're still in January, and it's a brand New Year".
See you back here soon!
Michael
11 comments:
I'm sorry to admit I missed Sunday's broadcast... I'll have to go back and look for it. As for the pins and colored yarn, mine travels have been truly extraordinary over the past few years. But they are not all to help others (although some have been), a lot of the travels is to satisfy my own curiosity.
"...awestruck by the sheer power that a sincere word of love and encouragement spoken by a stranger or a friend alike can have on my day..."
Michael, you've expressed that feeling so aptly. I wish I had been able to even lurk in on the interview, but weekends w/young teens are always busy. I'm going to go back and see if I can't pick up on it. In any event, your words warms my heart, and this lovely piece of writing is a reminder of of the powerful simple acts of kindness.
that photo of you as your ten year old self is just darling.
Dear Michael, I am with you - blogging takes a LOT of time, something that is painfully evident to me now, when my spare time has been cut short.
I agree with you on the kinds words expressed by strangers, it can make one's day.;)
Hope you are having a great one dear friend,
xoxo
Sage: Your journeys are fascinating. I wanted you to know my computer froze on the last two attempts to comment on your site. Please know that I do come by. I'm just encountering posting issues. But yes, you can go back and see where I've posted a "Click HERE" for Melinda's visit with me. She was awesome and provided all of us with an update. Please DO listen. Iwould be honored, my friend!
Jayne: I'm a few years older than Trevor in that old photo. One of my brother's was getting married that week and was "customizing" one of my model cars with putty and sandpaper! Thank you for your kind words, Jayne and please feel free to go back to that post and hit the "Click HERE" for a replay. You will find Melinda a delightful person and you'll likely feel as if you already know her. A great friend! Thanks for stopping by! :)
Hi Zuzana: Good to see you here. Hope you can catch our broadcast one post below and lol for taking the time to visit me here. Hope you can visit Trevor over at his site too! He'd love to hear from you! lol!!! :)
Hi Michael,
Great post. Blogging can be very time consuming.
Have a great evening
Lydia
It's important to say thank you. And what a lovely looking boy you were, and you've still kept your good looks!!
Ellee: A very nice compliment from a sweet lady. Many thanks! :)
What a beautiful, full life you live! It is plain that you know and embrace your calling. I pray that everyone could find the joy and purpose you have found. May we all make colorful, intersecting webs of relationships, thoughtfulness and love.
Alisa: You have honored me with your heartfelt words. As a Christian counselor observed to me about this blog post, "It's just about loving. All we have to do is just love".
Thank you, my friend!
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