QUOTATION OF THE WEEK
Hope, like the gleaming taper's light,
adorns and cheers our way;
And still, as darker grows the night,
emits a lighter ray.
—Oliver Goldsmith (1828-1874) Playwright, novelist, poet
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
As we enter the year 2000, the one thing that is on the minds of all is hope. Hope for happiness, hope for health, hope for riches, hope for love, hope . . . hope . . . hope. For some it is a simple hope, perhaps just the hope for something to eat or a place to sleep. For others it is a grandiose, ego filled hope for great riches or power. Still others may hope to ease their loneliness. Some may hope for spiritual awakening and inner peace. And some may hope for the easing of the suffering of others. The list could go on and on. Everything that we do to improve ourselves, resolve problems, bring enjoyment to our lives, move farther on a spiritual path, all these and more have hope at their core.
What are your hopes? Do not be afraid of them. Do not run from them. Embrace them. Look at them under the critical eye of introspection. Your hopes are the seeds of your future. They are yours and belong to no one else. Give yourself permission to hope, then have the courage to act on your hopes.
". . . like the gleaming taper's light, adorns and cheers our way . . . ." Keep the light of hope burning and you will never be in darkness. Let the luminaries of hope light your way.
A very, very Happy and Hopeful Year 2000 to you!
Blessings and Love,
Allen Schmeltz
Copyright © 1999 Allen F. Schmeltz. All rights reserved.
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