Let’s Start at the Very Beginning
The lyrics and melody came out of nowhere and took me by surprise on a retro journey to the mid-1960’s and the classic film, The Sound of Music.
Are You Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road?
We recently were in the UK for over a week on vacation as we spent time with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren as they recently moved to rub elbows with the Queen given a temporary work relocation.
It was a blessing to unplug from the day to day and take in the sights and sounds of a new culture.
This past Saturday was a perfect day.
The sunlight was brilliant and the air was crisp.
The clouds were puffy white, with a gentle, cool summer breeze escorting them across the Windsor skyline.
We were in the company of our two stroller bound grandchildren, Danalyn and Garrett, as their Mom and Dad were off for some alone time.
As we made our way through the Windsor Royal Shopping open market, a small crowd gathered.
Both of the children fell fast asleep as we made our way through the small group of people.
We had to stop and take in the moment.
The unexpected snuck up on us and invited itself into our world, even for a brief moment or two.
It was a gift of God given to us by a complete stranger. Please allow me to share it with you in this short video.
A young woman, Jennifer Coleman, with the voice of an angel offered her gift to any and all who would listen.
Jackie and I stood in awe of what we heard, simply enjoying the moment.
I was overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming down my face and my voice quivering as I tried to explain to Jackie what I was experiencing.
God met me in the moment and it is one which I will not forget. The gift of song completely swept over me like a wave at the ocean.
You may or may not enjoy classical music. It was my first dip in this pool.
However, it would be well worth your time to check out what this young woman has to offer as she attempts to support her studies at The Royal College of Music in London.
Her collection, Simple Gifts, is outstanding!
Seth Godin in his book, Tribes, talks about one offering their art to those who would follow. It does not have to be perfect art, simply art offered and improved upon in the process.
You do not have to sing soprano.
Nor do you have to paint formally as my sister-in-law, Joan, does. Although I may be biased her art is well worth the time to stop by her online gallery.
You simply have to offer what you may have.
Your offering could be:
- The gift of working with children as my wife offers each day of the school year.
- A smile offered to a stranger.
- Making someone laugh.
- Doing the dishes while visiting another’s home.
- Creating masterful cupcakes to share with a neighbor.
My encouragement to you is this. Please offer your gift, whatever it may be, with those in your world.
You never know when what you have to offer might make another’s day!
How might this post encourage you to share whatever gift you might have to offer?
A Mighty Fortress
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalms 91:1-2 (NIV) Photo Courtesy of Bruce R. Cross on Location in Windsor
If you are willing to change your thinking, you can change your feelings. If you change your feelings, you can change your actions. And changing your actions, based on good thinking, can change your life!” – John C. Maxwell.
Thinking for a Change, 11 Ways Highly Successful People Approach Life and Work
(New York: Warner Books, 2003), Page 5
Has Disappointment Said Hello?
Words to a writer are like paint is to an artist, waiting to be applied to an invisible yet real canvas tucked away in the world of ideas and thoughts.
At times the words flow freely like water cascading from a waterfall, making their way downstream and reaching their intended destination – hopefully influencing the hearts and minds of those who read them.
A dream is an inspiring picture of the future that energizes your mind, will, and emotions, empowering you to do everything you can to achieve it.” – John C. Maxwell
The Wright Brothers First Heavier-Than-Air Flight
Photo Courtesy of PhotoDropper
Put Your Dream to the Test
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2009), Page 5
Now An Amazon Affiliate
I recently became an Amazon affiliate. Some of my posts contain links to books or other resources. If the you like the resource and subsequently purchase it from Amazon via the link I provide, I will receive a nominal commission from your purchase as a way of helping to offset the cost of maintaining my blog.
If you choose to do so – THANK YOU in advance!
Bruce
I’ll spare you the play-by-play account and allow the message of this short clip to stir you.
You may never know the full impact of a kind word expressed, a hug given, taking a moment to listen to someone, or a simple smile shared.
I encourage you to give the gift of SIGNIFICANCE to another.
Choose to take what you have, who you are, and make a difference in someone’s life – TODAY!