Life is Like a Marathon......

Lately, I have been thinking about life and how precious it is.  I was reflecting on the New York City marathon.  As I watched the runners accomplishing their goals, I realized how the passion and determination they were experiencing was being transferred to the spectators.  Everyone was inspired by the event.  Spectators waved at strangers, genuinely shouting encouraging words to the runners.  Some runners loved it and gave back with signals, gestures and sometimes dancing.  One runner even threw pixie dust on us.  He was feeling great! 

 In life, we can watch by the sidelines or join the race and follow our passions.  Those who follow their passions may sometimes feel alone but will not always be alone.  They may have their own spectators at the office, their neighbors, friends or even family members who will cheer them on.  The moral of this text - follow your God given passion.  It does not matter who supports you.  In the end, this journey may bring you a new set of people in your life who love and support you.  A new place to grow and be an example to others.  

Facing these ideas always makes me think about how I am spending my time.  Every second, minute, hour, day, week, month and year add up to a lifetime.  Life is short so we must make use of our time.  Why am I here?  Am I working towards that goal?  It does not mean we all have to be wealthy professionals.  Some came here to be something humble and help others achieve greatness.  Think of all the great people who had great supporters next to them.  Helping them achieve.  

I will revisit this conversation another time.  This is just to whet your appetite and encourage a dialog about who we are and what we want to accomplish. 

Another Successful School Year     

 

It’s the beginning of the school year and the kids look great.  They have new clothes, books, pencils, pens everything to make the educational experience a success. Unfortunately, I find one thing noticeable about the parents themselves.  Some parents think because they bring their kids to the “high priced babysitter’s aka teachers”, that they will be absolved of the responsibilities of their child’s education.  What does that mean?
I will explain this concept by using an obscure example.  Years ago, there was an athlete who participated in the Olympics.  The sport was hockey.  Their team won.  The team was ecstatic and proud.  This young man scored the winning point. All the fans were shouting.  I even saw some of the other countries cheering.  When you saw this young man, you can see he was not  paying attention to the cheering crowd.  There was something else on his mind.  He was searching for his dad.  All the adoration from the crowd meant nothing.  He wanted something nobody on earth could give him.  Dads love, blessing and pride.  No billionaire, entertainer or sexy lady can give him that.  I worked for a famous person years ago.  Every time this person made a professional victory, he/she wrote a letter to his/her parents to share the victory with them.  The tone of the notes sounded like a little girl/boy’s note to mommy.  Showing the parent “mommy, look what I did.  Yes, parents, you are the most important and influential person in your child’s life.  There isn’t even a close second.  When a young Dorothy Hamil, Olympic winner and famous ice skater, thought she was being attacked by an audience in 1974 she ran to the arms of her father – right off the ice.  She did not look for her coach. 
When kids accomplish major goals, they don’t look for childhood hero’s, athletes, entertainment personalities, friends or even teachers for celebration. They look to you, mom and dad.  It’s not to say that grandpa, grandma, auntie, uncle, and siblings are not important – they are. It is just that you are the first line of defense.  They are looking for someone who loves them more than life itself.  Someone who nourishes them physically, morally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. A bond so powerful that not even death can break it.  In the nursing homes, clients are constantly crying out for mommy.  On the battlefields when men are at death's door it is the mom they cry out to.  With these examples, I hope you understand why teachers rely on parents as the first line of defense in the education of their children.  Please, mom and dad, think about what I am saying the next time a teacher calls to speak to you.  Without you, it’s not impossible but your motivation is what will push your child to a victorious life.  

Sigrid Channer

People are like flowers

I love flowers.  They come in many colors and can light up a room.  Flowers can bring joy to women and men. There is something about nature that makes people relax and feel special.  People are like flowers.  Sometimes, a person can walk into a room and make it tranquil.   They can also make others and feel special.  Look at the flowers below.

 

Some of these flowers are familiar and beautiful and some are unfamiliar.  They are all beautiful in their own way.  I remember a child asking me why God made people different colors.  I reminded her about the flowers and how they are different colors sizes and shapes.  The child understood immediately why we have a variety of people.  God loves diversity.   He is the creator of ALL things.  We see diversity everywhere. There is diversity in nature, natural elements, life above and below the waters even the germs are diverse.  We as intelligent civilized creatures know this and still cannot live together in harmony.  What does this say about how we feel about Gods creations?