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Positive Talk
 A friend recently sent me an Indian proverb that says, “You enter this life crying and the people around you rejoice. You should live your life so that when you leave, the people around you will cry and you will rejoice.” I found this statement very powerful and thought provoking.
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was rejoicing with the birth of every child? There should be. With each new birth, there is the potential for another Mother Teresa, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison or Florence Nightingale. Maybe little Jimmy or Joanne Smith will grow up to discover the cure for AIDS or cancer. Maybe they will ease suffering or advance mankind with their discoveries in food production, engineering or electronics. They may even turn out to be great artists who provide us with another generation of art to compete with and complement the work of the masters of old. Not all of us can be an Einstein; but we can impact the world around us and cause it to be a nicer place to live.
In the past year, I have lost two friends, both of which will rejoice to see their maker while we who are left behind sadly lament their loss. Neither were men of wealth or position, but both enjoyed being of service to others. It is amazing how much they were alike, yet neither of them knew the other. Here are some of the things they had in common.
Each of them had ready smiles that made you want to see their face. Wherever they were, there was sunshine and brightness.
They both loved music and played for free to entertain anyone that would listen.
They both served on numerous boards and foundations. Now, please don’t confuse serving on and working on a board. There are a lot of people who will serve, but only a few who will work. These two were workers.
Neither found any task that was of service to the community beneath them.
Each enjoyed playing Santa Claus for needy children. In fact, one died in the night after having done so. You see, his doctor told him that the strain could be too much, but he did not want to disappoint the youngsters.
Each was quick to help the needy. One even kept food in his refrigerator so that when someone who needed it came by, he could say that he had overstocked and ask them to help him by taking some of it. He knew dignity was important.
Neither of them was ever too busy to take the time to listen. That trait alone set them apart and gave them great value.
One of them once told me, in response to my warning to slow down, that he had been blessed beyond belief in his life and had been given much. He reminded me that the Bible says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…” Well, they both met the test; they both left many people crying as they left this world, but I believe they arrived in their new home with great rejoicing. Would that we all would live as they did and help each child to get the kind of start in life that would lead them to be like my friends, Bob and Gordon. May they rest in peace.
Hodges Hosts Television
Program
Bill Hodges also hosts an interview-format television program, “Spotlight On Tampa Bay.” It airs Mondays at 8 p.m., Bright House cable channel 950 and Verizon cable channel 30. His guest for August 18 and September 1 will be Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe. Sharpe is an excellent example of what a commissioner should be, and his comments on county government should be very enlightening. This program will be repeated on Wednesday August 20 and September 3, at 7:30 p.m. on Bright House channel 949.
Appearing on Monday, August 25, is State Representative Ron Reagan. Representative Reagan (R), will give us an insight into the happenings during the last session of the Florida State Legislature. He represents areas in Manatee County, Ruskin and about half of Sun City Center. The program will be repeated on Wednesday, August 27, at 7:30 p.m. on Bright House channel 949.
Bright House subscribers who cannot get the higher channels can get—at no installation fee and a monthly $1 fee—a box to allow access to the upper level government and educational channels. Call Bright House for details on the rental. If you are unhappy about having to pay extra to see your government in action, complain to your state representatives and the Hillsborough BOCC which have either caused this situation or been complicit in allowing it to continue.
Bill Hodges is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, and
syndicated columnist. Hodges may be reached at Hodges Seminars
International, P.O. Box 89033, Tampa, FL 33689-0400. Phone 813/641-0816.
Web site: http://www.BillHodges.com
Copyright 2008 Hodges Seminars International
© Copyright 2008 by The
Observer
News Publications and M&M Printing Company, Inc.
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