“Inside my empty bottle I was constructing a lighthouse while all the others were making ships.” -Charles Simic, poet (b. 9 May 1938)

Born into a world filled with vile cruelty and more than a share of tragedy, the world needs more who are willing to shine a light of love and grace.  I cannot lie and say that I am always the good guy who does right and helps others always.  I can only say that I do my best.  And I wonder, will you join me in being like Simic?  Will you be a lighthouse where you can helping others when you can shining a little light in the darkness in hope that maybe you might help others find their way?

https://flic.kr/p/r2LYXP

Like I said, I am not the standard to live up to or measure yourself on. If there is anything I am woefully aware of it is my imperfections.  But, I am someone to say that regardless of how imperfect your life might be or even that you might be, the world goes better with love, hope and charity.  These things I think are the standard we might reach for.

Life is full of choices.  I think maybe it is best to be the encourager not the discourager; to offer braveness where cowardice seems perhaps the first choice; to seek out the good, true, and noble and then share these things with others.  It is my hope that my children and everyone I meet reaches for their stars knowing that they are richer than they are. How I mean is that true wealth is found in the quality of your soul and what you do for others.  It is not found in hoarding gold and silver and good things only for yourself and a select few to enjoy.  When you see a dream, maybe help it flourish and grow into that person’s reality.  This world of ours needs more love and less selfishness.

Okay, I think I’ve said more than I should.  Maybe it’s time to step down on that note and get to work?