Inspirational Articles

The Pearl
A jeweler ran a store with many beautiful gems in it. Some were quite reasonably priced, and some were very expensive. But there was one piece, a flawless pearl, which was more beautiful than any other. It was displayed in its own in a prominent location, where everyone who came into the store could gaze at its perfection. Many people would come from far-away just so that they could see it. Most, recognizing its value, would not even ask the price. To those who did, the merchant would answer, "Ah, yes, that one costs everything you have." No one bought it because the price was too great.

One winter evening, a beggar came into the store to escape the freezing wind. He noticed the pearl and, like everyone else, was unable to take his eyes off of it. Finally, he asked the price and received the same answer as the rest. The beggar went back to the display case and spent a long time looking at it. At last, he turned around and taking off his worn overcoat, he handed it to the merchant and announced, "I’ll take it." Without the slightest hesitation, the merchant unlocked the case and gave the pearl to its new owner.

Then, an even more astonishing thing happened. The merchant disappeared into the back room and returned in a few moments with a magnificent fur coat draped over one arm and the keys to the store in his hand. With a little smile on his face, he handed both to the surprised beggar, saying, "You gave me everything you had, and now everything I have is yours." He then put on the beggar's overcoat, opened the door, and vanished into the night.

"...heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it." Matthew 13:45-46 in The Bible (NIV) BACK

A Red Marble
During the Great Depression, Mr. Miller ran a roadside stand selling fresh produce to make ends meet. Since money was scarce, bartering was used extensively.

One day, Mr. Miller noticed Barry, a small local boy, hungrily eyeing a basket of freshly picked green peas. He said, "Hello there Barry, how are you today?" "Fine, thanks. Jus' admirin' them peas ... sure look good." "They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?" "Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time." "Good. Anything I can help you with?" "No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas."

"Would you like to take some home?" "Sure, but I got nuthin' to pay for 'em with." "Well, what have you to trade me?" "Alls I got is my prize marble here." "Is that right? Let me see it." "Here 'tis. She's a dandy."

"I can see that. Only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?" "Not 'zackley .....but, almost." "Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble." "Sure will. Thanks, Mr. Miller."

Mr. Miller took great delight in bargaining food with Barry for marbles. When Barry would come back with a red marble, and he always did, Mr. Miller would decide he didn’t like red after all and he’d send Barry home with some produce in exchange for a green or orange marble.

Mr. Miller died some years later and a memorial service was held. A young man in an army uniform stopped briefly at the casket and touched Mr. Miller’s pale hand and then walked away wiping his eyes. Barry, now full grown, had come to pay his respects and the debt that he owed. He knew that, this time, Mr. Miller couldn’t change his mind. Left cradled in Mr. Miller’s hand was a shiny red marble.

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away. BACK

A Man Named Carl
Rich stood helplessly next to a huge flatbed rental truck. He had just moved to a new city and had come to collect his household goods from the moving company warehouse. Everything he and his family owned was in two plywood boxes measuring 4' x 8' x 8' but weighing a hefty two tons.

The forklift operator did his job quickly and set them on the truck. It was Quittin' Time on a Friday night and the operator soon vanished leaving Rich in a vacant parking lot to finish the job. Before he could leave, he needed to secure the cargo.

Rich wasn’t in the best frame of mind. His family life was a mess, he was unemployed and in a strange place. It was cold, he felt abandoned and alone. He looked at the small nylon rope he brought and it soon became clear it was a two man job and the rope was woefully inadequate for the job. Dusk became twilight as he struggled in a fruitless effort. Finally, his frustration turned to despair. NOTHING was working in his life, and this was just one more example.

"That rope ain’t gonna work", a voice spoke from darkness. Rich turned around and a middle aged man walked up with a couple of coiled heavy duty tie down straps. "Why don't you try these?"

The man’s look radiated friendliness and compassion, something Rich hadn't seen in a good long while. "Here, I'll give you hand" he said. Within five minutes, they, really "he", had secured the load. The man turned to leave and Bill called after him, "Hey, what's your name? Where do you live? Where should I return the straps?"

"Name's Carl and I gotta get back to my rig and get pointed south. Got to make Grants Pass by midnight. Don't worry about the straps. I got plenty. Give'em to someone that needs them." With that, he turned and walked away.

An incredible sense of relief and well being swept over Bill. He had come to expect the worst from life. So Carl took him totally by surprise. He apparently wasn't aware of Rich’s expectations and bulled right past them.

There are moments like these in everyone's life, inexplicable blessings that present themselves out of the blue. These events are no more random than the very beginnings of the universe. They show the folly of believing in the survival of the fittest. Selfless acts are the glue that binds us one to another and makes us different from all other species. Carl understood this and put it into practice. You can do the same. Where ever you are Carl, thanks for showing the way. BACK

Life Balancing Act
There is a saying "Winners owe their success to luck. Just ask any loser." But too often, winners are measured by material wealth. True winners have balance and peace in their lives regardless of wealth. There are a number of things we can do to achieve those things.

Identify worthy short and long term goals and put them in writing. Worthy goals are those that improve your character as well as lifestyle. Avoid money centered goals. "The love of money is the root of all evil." Goals should be specific, measurable and compatible with where you want to be.

Write a To Do List every day and be specific, like "Do report spreadsheet", rather than "Work on report". Or "Take kids to park" rather than "Spend quality time with kids".

Prioritizing is essential. Separate your To Do List into A, B and C priorities. "A" items are important to long term success, "B" are housekeeping tasks and "C" those things that would be nice to do if you get the time. Begin with the "A" List and check off items as you complete them to foster a sense of accomplishment.

Use only one calendar/planner to keep track of both business and personal issues. Both are part of a balanced life.

When told "Call me next week and we'll book an appointment" respond, "Let's book it now." It will save both of you an unnecessary phone call.

Block out adequate time for major tasks. Make an appointment with yourself and write it in your planner. Then you can honestly say "Sorry, I have an appointment then. How about (fill in an alternative date and time)?"

Don't jam your day with activities. Leave time for reflection and rest.

Review progress on short and long term goals regularly. Change course if conditions dictate.

Life is a balancing act. Without balance, you’re headed for a fall. Some have been off balance for so long it’s tough to know where to start. For those, keep the To Do List short. Reduce or eliminate stressful tasks. Just say "No" until balance returns. You’ll know it when you feel it. Most importantly, make ample time for family, friends, recreational, social and spiritual activities. BACK

How Did We Survive?
It's hard to believe that we have lived as long as we have. Can you believe that:

As children we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pickup truck on a warm day was always a special treat.
Our cribs were painted with lead based paint that we chewed with gusto.
We had no childproof devices on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets.
We rode our bikes with no helmets.
We drank water straight from the garden hose.
We’d leave home in the morning, play all day and return when the streetlights came on.
We ate cupcakes, candy and drank sugar pop but were rarely over weight.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment.
Some students weren't as smart as others or didn't work hard so they failed a grade and were held back to repeat the same grade.
"Cell phone" meant a jail phone and a "pager" was the school PA system.
We all said prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance in school.
We were taught to accomplish something before being proud of ourselves.
We played King of the Hill at construction sites. When we got hurt, mom pulled out the Mercurochrome and then we got our butt spanked. Now it's a trip to the emergency room, a $49 bottle of antibiotics and an attorney sues the contractor for allowing a dangerous "attractive nuisance".
Nobody I knew was from a dysfunctional family. There was no group therapy or anger management classes or Prozac.

That generation produced some of the greatest risk-takers and problem solvers. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to deal with it all. How in God’s name did we survive? BACK

Gooseology
Whether headed north or south, geese fly along in "V" formation. There are some interesting dynamics of this routine that can be applied to either life in an homeowner association or life in general.

As each bird flaps its wings, it creates lift for the bird that follows. The V formation allows the flock a much greater flying range than if each bird flew on it's own. People who live in an HOA can improve their individual lifestyles by reducing costs and sharing otherwise prohibitively expensive amenities. Individuals enjoy bigger bang for the buck when they share the cost.

When a goose flies out of the V formation, it immediately feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone and quickly gets back in line to reduce the friction. In spite of the myth of the "self made man", no one can get ahead or succeed in life without the cooperation and assistance of others. The sooner that principle is understood, the sooner success and happiness results.

When the lead goose gets tired, it rotates back into the formation, and another goose flies to the point position. It is both a duty and honor to serve on the Board or a Committee. It will give you a whole new perspective since you now serve the whole and not yourself. It also gives you an opportunity to exercise your gifts and talents. It’s good to give back to others without expecting payment.

The geese flying in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front. Encouragement is a huge part of success. Just think of the times you were ready to throw in the towel and someone said just the right thing to keep you going. Those words of encouragement produced lasting results. Life is hard at times and none of us is immune to it. Show you understand by showing support. It costs you nothing and produces real dividends.

When a goose gets sick or wounded, several geese drop out of formation to lend help and protection. They stay until their ailing brethren dies or is able to fly again. Selflessness does not come naturally to the human species. Some spend their whole life serving themselves and never know the joy that serving others brings. It’s a joy that cannot be bought or borrowed. It must be lived. When you do, you will know what life is truly all about.

So when you ponder life, love and eternity, consider the goose. He pursues a lifestyle of high and noble purpose. BACK

Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade.
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how straight the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

By William Ernest Henley

Leaders Are Learners
If you continually invest in your leadership development, the inevitable result is growth over time. Although it’s true that some people are born with greater natural gifts than others, the ability to lead is really a collection of skills, nearly all of which can be learned and improved. But that process doesn’t happen overnight. Leadership is complicated. It has many facets: respect, experience, emotional strength, people skills, discipline, vision, momentum, timing...the list goes on. As you can see, many factors that come into play in leadership are intangible. That’s why leaders require so much seasoning to be effective.

In a study of ninety top leaders from a variety of fields, leadership experts Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus made a discovery about the relationship between growth and leadership: "It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from their followers." Successful leaders are learners. And the learning process is ongoing, a result of self-discipline and perseverance. The goal each day must be to get a little better, to build on the previous day’s progress.

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership BACK

25 Life Lessons-Part One
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

By Regina Brett BACK

25 Life Lessons - Part 2
1. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
2. Always choose life.
3. Forgive everyone everything.
4. What other people think of you is none of your business.
5. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
6. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
7. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
8. Believe in miracles.
9. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
10. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
11. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
12. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
13. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
14. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
15. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
16. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
19. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
20. The best is yet to come.
21. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
22. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
23. If you don't ask, you don't get.
24. Yield.
25. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

by Regina Brett BACK

Peace Amid Turmoil
There once was a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king reviewed the entries but there were only two he really liked, and he had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake, a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with billowing white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky, from which rain fell and in which lightning played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.

But when the king looked closely, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest in perfect peace.

The king chose the second picture. He explained, "Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" The Bible-Matthew 6:26 BACK

A Slice of Life
Jean heaved another world-weary sigh. Tucking a strand of shiny black hair behind her ear, she frowned at the teetering tower of Christmas cards waiting to be signed. What was the point? How could she sign only one name? A "couple" required two people, and she was just one.

Maybe she would skip the cards this year. And the holiday decorating. Truthfully, even a tree felt like more than she could manage. Christmas was to be shared, and she had no one to share it with.

The doorbell's insistent ring startled her. Padding to the door, Jean cracked it open against the frigid December night. She peered into the empty darkness of the porch. Instead of a friendly face -- something she could use about now -- she found only a jaunty green gift bag perched on the railing. From whom? she wondered. And why?

Under the bright kitchen light, she pulled out handfuls of shredded gold tinsel. She plucked out an envelope and tucked inside was a story:

The little boy was new to the Denmark orphanage, and Christmas was drawing near. From the other children, he heard tales of a wondrous tree that would appear in the hall on Christmas Eve and of the scores of candles that would light its branches. He heard stories of the mysterious benefactor who made it possible each year.

The little boy's eyes opened wide at the mere thought of all that splendor. The only Christmas tree he had ever seen was through the fogged windows of other people's homes. There was even more, the children insisted. More? Oh, yes! Instead of the orphanage's regular fare, they would be served fragrant stew and crusty, hot bread that special night.

Last, and best of all, the little boy learned, each of them would receive a holiday treat. He would join the line of children to get his very own orange. An orange! Of his very own? Yes, the others assured him. There would be one apiece. The boy closed his eyes against the wonder of it all. A tree, candles, a filling meal and an orange of his very own.

He knew the smell, tangy sweet, but only the smell. He had sniffed oranges at the merchant's stall in the marketplace. Once he had even dared to rub a single finger over the brilliant, pocked skin. He fancied for days that his hand still smelled of orange. But to taste one, to eat one? Heaven.

Christmas Eve was all the children had been promised. The piney scent of fir competed with the aroma of lamb stew and home-made bread. Scores of candles diffused the room with golden halos. The boy watched in amazement as each child in turn eagerly claimed an orange and politely said "thank you."

The line moved quickly, and he found himself in front of the towering tree and the equally imposing headmaster. "Too bad, young man, too bad. But the count was in before you arrived. It seems there are no more oranges. Next year you will receive an orange."

Brokenhearted, the boy raced up the stairs empty-handed to bury both his face and his tears beneath his pillow. The boy felt a gentle tap on his back. He tried to still his sobs. The tap became more insistent until, at last, he pulled his head from under the pillow.

He smelled it before he saw it. A cloth napkin rested on the mattress. Tucked inside was a peeled orange, tangy sweet. It was made of segments saved from the others. A slice donated from each child. Together they added up to make one whole, complete fruit. An orange of his very own."

Jean swiped at the tears trickling down her cheeks. From the bottom of the gift bag she pulled out an orange -- a foil-covered chocolate orange--already separated into segments. And for the first time in weeks, she smiled. Really smiled.

She set about making copies of the story, wrapping individual slices of the chocolate orange. There was Mrs. Potter across the street, spending her first Christmas alone in 58 years. There was Melanie down the block, facing her second round of radiation. Her running partner, Jan, single-parenting a difficult teen. Lonely Mr. Bradford losing his eyesight, and Sue, sole care-giver to an aging mother. A piece from her might help make one whole.

By Carol McAdoo Rehme BACK

Silent Sermon
A member of a certain church who previously had been attending services regularly stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.

It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.

The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone then he sat back in his chair, still silent.

The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.

The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow, once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday".

We live in a world today which often says too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken. BACK

The Eagle & The Skylark
A skylark and an eagle met on a rock upon a high hill. The skylark said, "Good morrow to you, Sir." And the eagle looked down upon him and said faintly, "Good morrow."

And the skylark said, "I hope all things are well with you, Sir."

"Aye," said the eagle, "all is well with us. But do you not know that we are the king of birds, and that you shall not address us before we ourselves have spoken?"

Said the skylark, "Methinks we are of the same family."

The eagle looked upon him with disdain and he said, "Who ever has said that you and I are of the same family?"

Then said the skylark, "But I would remind you of this, I can fly even as high as you, and I can sing and give delight to the other creatures of this earth. And you give neither pleasure nor delight."

Then the eagle was angered, and he said, "Pleasure and delight! You little presumptuous creature! With one thrust of my beak I could destroy you. You are but the size of my foot."

Then the skylark flew up and alighted upon the back of the eagle and began to pick at his feathers. The eagle was annoyed and he flew swift and high that he might rid himself of the little bird. But he failed to do so. At last he dropped back to that very rock upon the high hill, more fretted than ever with the little creature still upon his back and cursing the fate of the hour.

Now at that moment a small turtle came by and laughed at the sight and laughed so hard the she almost turned upon her back.

And the eagle looked down upon the turtle and he said, "You slow creeping thing, ever one with the earth, what are you laughing at?"

And the turtle said, "Why I see that you are turned horse and that you have a small bird riding you. But the small bird is the better bird."

And the eagle said to her, "Go you about your business. This is a family affair between my brother the lark and myself."

By Khalil Gibran BACK

The Coach Speaks
The following wisdom comes from one of the greatest coaches of any sport, basketball’s John Wooden:

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment.
Ability is a poor man's wealth.
Adversity is the state in which man mostly easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
Be prepared and be honest.
Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.
Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.
If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?
If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.
It isn't what you do, but how you do it.
It's not so important who starts the game but who finishes it.
It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.
It's what you learn after you know it all that counts.
Material possessions, winning scores, and great reputations are meaningless in the eyes of the Lord. He knows what we really are and that is all that matters.
Never mistake activity for achievement.
Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.
Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts.
Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.
Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
There are many things that are essential to arriving at true peace of mind. One of the most important is faith which cannot be acquired without prayer.
Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.
Winning takes talent, to repeat takes character.
You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.
You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you. BACK

A Bucket of Shrimp
It happened almost every Friday evening when the sun was starting to dip into the blue ocean. Old Ed came strolling along the beach to his favorite pier. Clutched in his bony hand was a bucket of shrimp.

Everybody was gone except for a few joggers on the beach. Standing out on the end of the pier, Ed is alone with his thoughts and his bucket of shrimp. Before long, however, he is no longer alone.

Up in the sky, white dots come screeching and squawking, winging their way toward the pier. Before long, dozens of seagulls have enveloped him, their wings fluttering and flapping wildly. Ed stands there tossing shrimp to the hungry birds. As he does, you can hear him say with a smile, "Thank you. Thank you." In a few short minutes the bucket is empty. But Ed doesn't leave.

Invariably, one of the gulls lands on his sea-bleached, weather-beaten hat - an old military hat he's been wearing for years. When he finally turns around and begins to walk back toward the beach, a few of the birds hop along the pier with him until he gets to the stairs, and then they, too, fly away. And Ed quietly makes his way home.

If you were sitting there on the pier with your fishing line in the water, Ed might seem like "a guy that's a sandwich short of a picnic". To onlookers, he's just another old codger lost in his own world. But Ed was engaged in a ritual. Rituals can seem unimportant or even a lot of nonsense. But Old Ed’s ritual is one folks should know about.

Eddie Rickenbacker was a World War II hero. On one of his flying missions across the Pacific, he and his seven member crew went down. Miraculously, all of the men survived and climbed into a life raft.

Captain Rickenbacker and his crew floated for days on the rough waters of the Pacific. They fought the sun. They fought sharks. Most of all, they fought hunger. By the eighth day their rations ran out. No food. No water. They were hundreds of miles from land and no one knew where they were.

They needed a miracle. That afternoon they prayed for a miracle. They tried to nap. Eddie leaned back and pulled his military cap over his nose. Time dragged. All he could hear was the slap of the waves against the raft.

Suddenly, Eddie felt something land on the top of his cap. It was a seagull! Eddie sat perfectly still. With a flash of his hand and a squawk from the gull, he grabbed it! The gull made a very small meal for eight men but they used what was left over for bait to catch fish, which gave them food and more bait. The cycle continued. They were able to endure the rigors of the sea until they were found and rescued after 24 days at sea.

Eddie Rickenbacker lived many years beyond that ordeal, but he never forgot the sacrifice of that first lifesaving seagull. He never stopped saying "Thank you". That is why almost every Friday night he would walk to the end of the pier with a bucket of shrimp and a heart full of gratitude.

From In The Eye of the Storm by Max Lucado BACK