QUOTATION OF THE WEEK

Some cannot sing, but the orchard is full of birds and we all can listen.
--Emily Dickinson, (1830-1886) Poet

Having dreams is wonderful! Finding various paths and aspiring to be the best we can be in our pursuit of these dreams is very desirable. Yet we cannot be or do all things that we may want to be or do. Some of us, "...cannot sing" as Emily Dickinson puts it. Oh, at times we may "wish" that we could do this or that and we may even regret that we did not set our course in a particular direction. We may even feel envy and jealousy toward others and what they have done, but when we do so our thinking becomes very narrow. We lose the joy and appreciation of listening and truly experiencing.

"...but the orchard if full of birds and we can all listen." The fact that we did not pursue a particular path, for whatever reason, should not lessen our appreciation of those who did. The fact that we find joy in a particular area, should give us a special appreciation that we must be careful not to cloud over with envy and jealousy. Take, for instance, the playing of a musical instrument. I studied the clarinet as a music major through most of my college years. I loved the instrument and became a fair player. However, I did not apply myself enough to become a professional musician. After a change in majors I slowly let the clarinet gather dust. Now this could have filled me with regrets for not having further pursued my goal. I could feel envy whenever I see a successful clarinetist. But instead, I am only filled with awe when I hear a great performance, for I know the difficulty and sacrifice that go into becoming a musician. Through my experience I gained some insight into music and musicians, and that in turn gave me an awareness I would not have without that experience.

Fill yourself with appreciation for the great things done by women, men and children. Identify with them in the tasks that you find particularly appealing. Strive to be the best you can be in your chosen paths. Yet, also appreciate the paths that you chose not to take, for whatever reason. Stop, look and listen to the "orchard" that is so full of glorious birds of many shapes and designs.

Blessings and love,
Allen Schmeltz