I have always been fascinated with lily ponds.  They are home to so many wildly beautiful and unique creatures.  Where else can you sit in silence and hear the buzz of the bee mingle with the throaty baritone of Kermit’s little brother?  Where else could you find such a magnet for Dragon Flies?  Birds, bugs and butterflies can be seen playing on the leaves.  And look close enough and you will see fish swimming just below the surface.

        This day was no exception; during my time here I watched as the blooms busted open and spread their leaves in the early morning air to greet the rising sun.  As the moments pass I witness many insects use these floating filling stations as safe havens and jungle gyms.  I shut my eyes and listen to the healing sounds of silence.  I take a deep breath and suddenly my senses are caressed by the soothing scent of honey suckle and water flowers.  And just as I open my eyes I see a dragon fly fleeing a blue jay and finding safety on the wings of my lily pad.

        As I think back to the time I spent here I am amazed at how many other creatures benefited from their time at the lily pond.  And as I reflect upon theses one of a kind plants we call lily pads, I find myself wanting to be more like them.  I too want to be helpful to those whose journey crosses my path.  I want the place I call home to be a place of acceptance and safety for those who need rest.  I want my life to be one of service and friendship.  May the people I work with, study with and live with be better and happier for having spent time with me!  Yes, I want to be more like my lily pad.

        Today, let us resolve to be useful, helpful and kind to the people we meet.  Let us reach out to those who need a hand.  Let us lift up those who have fallen; encourage the down cast and comfort the weak.  Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.  Let us realize that showing a kindness offers great rewards to both the giver and the receiver.  Being kind brightens their day, lightens their load and beautifies our day.  Also, I believe that people will be happy in about the same degree that they are helpful.  Happiness is a choice; choose to be kind.

Something to think about:

• He who sees a need and waits to be asked for help is as unkind as if he had refused it.

• I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And what I can do, I ought to do.  And what I ought to do, by the Grace of God, I shall do.

• Our business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.

• When you are good to others, you are best to yourself.

• If you are too busy to be kind, you are too busy.

• No one can help everybody, but everybody can help someone.

• God isn’t interested in how many talents we have—he’s interested in how we are using the talent we have.

• I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing, therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to my fellow creatures, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.

• Kindness is like snow—it beautifies everything it covers.

Be kind; everyone you meet is having a tough time
Rickey Moore