A Bridge Too Far

A good and gentle man spent his life in pursuit of enlightenment. Years of steadfast yearning finally lent him a vision. If he could locate and cross a bridge high in the Rocky Mountains, a specific wooden bridge, it would represent the culmination of all his spiritual goals. The man immediately began his journey to the Rockies. Another 3 years passed before the man finally found the physical bridge he had seen in his minds eye. Reaching the bridge, the man paused before stepping onto it. He thanked God that he had located that which represented all he had struggled for. He closed his eyes and sent a prayer of thanksgiving heavenward.

When he opened his eyes and moved forward, he was surprised to see a man on the far side of the bridge coming towards him. As they met in the middle of the bridge, the good man smiled. He felt as though this other man was of supreme significance, so he spoke to him; "What brings you to this bridge at this time," he asked. "I have travelled my entire life to locate this bridge," the other man answered. "Crossing over to where you were, I will achieve, at long last, enlightenment."

Brighter Now

The following link is special, and that is saying something. I feel all my links are special or they wouldn't be on this web site. Yet this one, well, it deserves to be highlighted. And its all because of Byron...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bYVQeCQ4qs&feature=related

ENLIGHTENMENT

A story told in pictures...

http://1x.com/photo/53585/all/popular-week/

Undercover

I saw an elderly woman today who looked nice and I said so when our paths crossed. Her response was; "you made my day!" It gave me pause. Taken literally it was preposterous. I can barely make dinner, let alone a "day." Of course I knew what she meant. I had simply allowed her to feel good about herself. But as I pondered, I realized her reaction also validated me. You see, I go around feeling as though I am heir to the Kingdom as a son of God. Somewhat like a prince roaming his Father's realm incognito. I am an "undercover agent." So when I hear, "you made my day," I understand it is Life's affirmation that I am "about my Father's business." (Luke 2:49)

Childish? You bet! Fun? Absolutely. A game worth playing? I certainly think so. Regardless of your take, there may come a day when you feel child-like and in need of some fun. Know the game is open to all without preconditions--you've already met them. So go ahead, "make my day!"

About Face

Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
~James Baldwin

I'm Hurtin'

As you move through your life understand the majority of the people you encounter are experiencing psychological pain of some sort or another. Whether dealing with the death of a loved one, depression, alcohol or drug abuse, anorexia, obesity, personal rejection, a family member in dire straights, (ad infinitum) people hurt. They also exert tremendous energy masquerading as though nothing at all is wrong. It wouldn't fit the self-image they wish to portray; ie 'I've got it together.' One example of this being true is what people say when the mental pain becomes overwhelming: "I feel like I'm falling apart."

Don't misunderstand, I am not asking you to be your brothers keeper. I'm not asking that you coddle. I just ask that you become aware. That you extend your vision beyond yourself. Perhaps empathy is your response. Or, you may simply shrug your shoulders. Whatever you decide will be best for you. I realize that your hurt may run so deep there isn't room for anyone else's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OXA7zL9WOg

Wake up the Echoes

A portrait of what it means to be a Notre Dame man...

http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/story/manti-teo-notre-dame-comforts-parents-of-dying-girl-with-letter-grief-cancer-102512