It Starts With Me; It Starts With You

 

One question I am asked frequently is where my ideas come from for my blogs. I can honestly answer that my ideas come from a variety of experiences. First, most of my stories are memories and lessons from my life, starting from my childhood to the present.

 Secondly, nature and animals play a big part in my stories. Next, people I meet, friends I make, music  I hear, and family are all essential components in developing a storyline.

Last but never least, my faith, trust, hope, and love for God always intertwine in everything I write.

This blog or story, as I like to call it, has a special meaning to me.  My thoughts for this story have grown in my heart since the day, the idea blossomed.

Each day as I read the paper, listen to the news, and feel the pain of those families who have lost loved ones to drugs, suicide, murder, or any other horrible incident, only makes my heart burst with the need to at least try to make a difference; no matter how small.

And so it begins……. It Starts With Me; It Starts With You

A ride in the car……….

On Sunday, May 30th, my husband and I were traveling to Harrisburg to visit my daughter and her family. My grandson, Christian, was on a weekend break from the United States Naval Academy, and we were excited to visit.

 I usually try to catch up on my reading as my husband drives, since I am very familiar with the scenery. As I turned the page of my mystery book, a familiar song came on the radio. It was one of my favorites from Michael Jackson. I couldn’t help but sing along with the music as I attempted to find my place on the page I was reading.

As we continued our drive, I put my book on my lap, took a scrap piece of paper from my purse, and wrote one word; reflections. This was the beginning of many thoughts and feelings…..

With a few miles to go before merging onto another highway, my eyes soaked in the beauty of a long stretch of farms, ponds, and animals. Once again, I took out the scrap piece of paper and wrote; lake.

I was in deep thought when we approached the exit that would lead to my daughter’s home. I found myself thinking about the spoon that I had taken from her home and how shiny it was. I thought about her pool and the shimmering water, and I thought about the three-door mirror in her bathroom where anyone looking would see three of themselves. Again out came the paper and pen as I added three more words to my list; spoon, pool, and mirror.

The Visit……..

Our visit was great! And as usual, went way to fast. Although I enjoyed each and every moment, my mind kept creeping back to the song I heard on the radio and the list of five words I had written.

Three days later, it all comes together…

As I looked at the list of five words, I realized any shiny surface could play an essential part in helping us to learn more about ourselves.

What do you see when you look in a mirror, a pool of water, or even a shiny spoon?

Do you see someone who has a kind heart willing to reach out and make a difference?  How about someone who accepts those who are different?  Are you angry or impatient?

Do you see someone who finds the best in everyone and everything or someone who looks for the worst? Do you see someone who can forgive or someone who holds a grudge? Do you see someone who is hurting others with their habits or someone who is working hard to turn their life around?  The questions you and I could ask ourselves each time we see our reflections are endless.

My heartfelt thoughts………

Dear Readers,

When I started my story, I did not know where it was going to take me. I only knew I had to write it. Each day that passes, I long for the simple life I once knew. A life where most people genuinely cared about their neighbor. A time when a locked door was unheard of. A time when life was happy, not fearful.

 Now that the story is coming to an end, I would like to ask one more question; What can you and I do to make a difference in the lives of others?   For when we make a difference, we might just change reflections.

So now I ask that you look for a shiny surface, whether it be a pond, pool, spoon, or mirror. Take a deep breath and a good hard look at the person looking back at you. Will you smile with love in your heart, or will you see areas that need to change?

With love and forgiveness in our hearts, acceptance for all people, and helping those in need, just might be a start on the path of change.

Remember; It Starts With Me; It Starts With You