Ray’s Daily
April 25, 2018
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I think some of the best things I have done over my lifetime has been spending time helping folks see how much they have to offer. Far too many people I have met failed to realize how good they really are.
The best thing about my years in Boy Scouts and Kiwanis was the opportunity to provide encouragement to the young. I see my friends who spend time with kids who have little external support as nurturers. They are the ones who answer the question, “Does anyone listen, does anyone care”.
I have a deep sense of gratitude to the people in my background who saw in me what I might be and cheered me on. Each of us are given many opportunities to encourage others and when we do we can make a difference in their lifes.
The following story reminds me to be thankful for the encouraging people who put me on the path to the great life I have had.
The Power of Encouragement
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th-century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man. The old fellow had some sketches and drawings that he wanted Rossetti to look at and tell him if they were any good, or if they at least showed potential talent.
Rossetti looked them over carefully. After the first few, he knew that they were worthless, showing not the least sign of artistic talent. But Rossetti was a kind man, and he told the elderly man as gently as possible that the pictures were without much value and showed little talent. He was sorry, but he could not lie to the man.
The visitor was disappointed, but seemed to expect Rossetti?s judgment. He then apologized for taking up Rossetti?s time, but would he just look at a few more drawings – these done by a young art student?
Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. “These,” he said, “oh, these are good. This young student has great talent. He should be given every help and encouragement in his career as an artist. He has a great future if he will work hard and stick to it.”
Rossetti could see that the old fellow was deeply moved. “Who is this fine young artist?” he asked. “Your son?”
“No,” said the old man sadly. “It is me – 40 years ago. If only I had heard your praise then! For you see, I got discouraged and gave up – too soon.”
~~~
“If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. ”
Flavia Weedn
~~~
Some Camping Tips
When using a public campground, a tuba placed on your picnic table will keep the campsites on either side vacant.
While the Swiss Army Knife has been popular for years, the Swiss Navy Knife has remained largely unheralded. Its single blade functions as a tiny canoe paddle.
Modern rain suits made of fabrics that “breathe” enable campers to stay dry in a downpour.
Take this simple test to see if you qualify for solo camping: Shine a flashlight into one ear. If the beam shines out the other ear, do not go into the woods alone.
The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.
It’s entirely possible to spend your whole vacation on a winding mountain road behind a large motor home.
Bear bells provide an element of safety for hikers in grizzly country. The tricky part is getting them on the bears.
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A day without radiation is a day without sunshine.
~~~
“What do you love most about me,” a husband asked his wife, “my tremendous athletic ability or my superior intellect?”
“What I love most about you,” responded the man’s wife, “is your incredible sense of humor.”
~~~
It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.
Marcus Aurelius
~~~
A Blonde’s Cookbook
Monday: It’s fun to cook for Tom. Today I made angel food cake. The recipe said beat 12 eggs separately. The neighbors were nice enough to loan me some extra bowls.
Tuesday: Tom wanted fruit salad for supper. The recipe said serve without dressing. So, I didn’t dress. What a surprise when Tom brought a friend home for supper.
Wednesday: A good day for rice. The recipe said wash thoroughly before steaming the rice. It seemed kind of silly, but I took a bath anyway. I can’t say it improved the rice any.
Thursday: Today Tom asked for salad again. I tried a new recipe. It said prepare ingredients, lay on a bed of lettuce one hour before serving. Tom asked me why I was rolling around in the garden.
Friday: I found an easy recipe for cookies. It said, put the ingredients in a bowl and beat it. There must have been something wrong with this recipe. When I got back, everything was the same as when I left.
Saturday: Tom did the shopping today and brought home a chicken. He asked me to dress it for Sunday. For some reason, Tom keeps counting to ten.
Sunday: Tom’s folks came to dinner. I wanted to serve roast, but all I had was hamburger. Suddenly, I had a flash of genius. I put the hamburger in the oven and set the controls for roast. It still came out hamburger, much to my disappointment.
Well, good night, dear diary. This has been a very exciting week. I am eager for tomorrow to come, so I can try out a new recipe on Tom. If I can talk Tom into buying a bigger oven, I would like to surprise him with chocolate moose.
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“How would your life be different if…You walked away from gossip and verbal defamation? Let today be the day…You speak only the good you know of other people and encourage others to do the same.”
Steve Maraboli,
~~~
Ray Mitchell
Indianapolis, Indiana
Management is not responsible for duplicates from previous dailies. The editor is somewhat senile.
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Comments on: "You can make a difference" (1)
such good advice, as always –