The Purpose
We are born with two eyes in front because we must
not always look behind, but see what lies ahead,
beyond ourselves.
We are born to have two ears ~ one left, one right,
so we can hear both sides, collect both the compliments
and criticisms, to see which are right.
We are born with a brain concealed in a skull that
no matter how poor we are, we are still rich, for no
one can steal what our brain contains, packing in
more jewels and rings than you can think.
We are born with two eyes, two ears, but one mouth
for the mouth is a sharp weapon, it can hurt, flirt,
and kill.
We are born with only one heart, deep in our ribs to
remind us to appreciate and give love from deep within.
Remember the motto: talk less, listen and see more.

THE SCULPTOR'S ATTITUDE
I woke up early today, excited over all I get to do before the clock strikes
midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is
to choose what kind of day I am going to have.
Today I can complain because the weather is rainy or I can be thankful that the
grass is getting watered for free.
Today I can feel sad that I don't have more money or I can be glad that my
finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste.
Today I can grumble about my health or I can rejoice that I am alive.
Today I can lament over all that my parents didn't give me when I was growing
up or ...I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born.
Today I can cry because roses have thorns or I can celebrate that thorns have
roses.
Today I can mourn my lack of friends or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to
discover new relationships.
Today I can whine because I have to go to work or I can shout for joy because I
have a job to do.
Today I can complain because I have to go to school or eagerly open my mind and
fill it with rich new tidbits of knowledge.
Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework or I can feel
honored because I've been provided shelter for my mind, body and soul.
Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like
is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have!
Have a GREAT DAY ...unless you have other plans.
~ Author Unknown

THE ROSE
I've been buried in barren soil,
beneath rock and refuse,
my roots so badly tangled
I fear that I'd be strangled
if excavated expertly
by even the most gifted gardner
and transplanted in dark, delicious earth.
I've been choked so often by frost and drought
that I would find it very peculiar
to be tucked into bed on raw April nights
and feel the fingers of sprinklers
tickle the ground above me
on an arid August afternoon.
And I'm not quite sure what I'd do
if I ever poked my head above the ground
and saw the light of day.
I'm afraid I've become
so accustomed to darkness
that brightness might startle me
back to the depths of despair.
But the rose has never failed
to open its arms to the sun
even after the coldest of winters.
by David C. Schrader