Greetings once again! I see that my last post was dated December 18, 2011. Time certainly has a way of passing quickly, don't you think?
I hope all of you are as amazed as I am that it is June 16, 2012 already. This year is more than half gone and I can only hope that I have accomplished at least one good deed and that I was able to help someone in need. We don't often stop to think about good deeds and the capacity that we have to help another person, but, in reflection, I think I have been able to meet these goals.
As you know, I am a part-time adult education instructor during the winter. I had a small class, but my students all worked very hard and achieved several goals. They were highly praised by their work experience employers and they celebrated on graduation night, March 9, by arranging their venue, ordering an excellent meal and decorating the room. They glowed when they received their certificates and that glow was enough to inspire me to continue with my teaching career. I have a deep desire to share my knowledge and expertise with others and I am waiting confirmation about another program which will begin in September. I am hoping with all my heart that I can be a part of it.
Someone else who inspired me was the gentleman who walked a tight-rope over Niagara Falls last night, June 15, 2012. I had originally intended not to watch the coverage; however, I quickly became mesmerized because he said that this was something he had always wanted to do. He spent two years preparing for this feat and when he walked out onto that thin cable, I found that I was holding my breath. I was riveted; I couldn't take my eyes off the man. He serenely placed one foot in front of the other, his face calm but glowing because I think he realized that he was finally meeting a goal he had always dreamed about. He was friends with that cable, three pennies wide, and he had faith in himself.
He walked from the American side to the Canadian side, passing through mist and over turbulent, pounding water, becoming wet with spray and adjusting and adapting his steps to compensate for the changes in wind direction. He never wavered and his response to questions from the newscasters was that he was doing just fine and that it was a momentous occasion for him. He was relying on his ability to do this and his faith in himself. From time to time, I could hear him say: "Thank you, Father." Whether he was referring to an earthly father, or a Supreme Being of his own choice, I don't know. All I know is that I was greatly moved by this historic undertaking and I had tears when he reached the Canadian side and was greeted by our customs officials, who welcomed him and reviewed his passport.
When they asked him about his purpose for his visit in Canada, he responded, with a smile: "I am here to inspire others."
What else can I say? If this amazing act doesn't inspire the rest of us to pursue our dreams and goals, I don't know what will.
