I wouldn’t have seen it this morning if I had not ventured out for a run. I would have missed a lot of things. The sun was shining bright and warm, calling me outside, but I had lots to do today. I need to do some cleaning and catch up on emails, I thought. Sounds silly now. Life can pass us by while we’re busy doing stuff, and not just in a big way but in the small simple ways. Following my new year’s promise to myself, I had decided that I will try to enjoy and experience life with every possible minute this year, and to do the most good with all those “lost opportunities” that come across my way.
What if….
What if we each took this one year and tried to make the very best of it, no matter what. One year of our lives, given to the very best we can do. To resolve to smile and laugh more, even during those stiff business meetings or tough times; to resolve not to spread hate no matter what the principal may be; and to resolve to help our fellow human beings more. It really wouldn’t take that much effort. It might even make things easier. And it would change the world.
So I stopped what I was doing this morning, none of which will matter for very long anyway, and I went down to the beach for a run. The tide was high after the storm and the only part of the sand not covered by water was still too soft for running, so I settled into a walk instead. As I slowed down my pace, I began to look at the sea shells beneath my feet and caught the glimpse of something glistening, sticking out above the sand. I reached down to pick it up and could not believe what I held in my hand. It was a piece of milky white frosted glass, perfectly polished and smoothed around its edges from the friction and waves of the sea. My first sea glass find! I have always enjoyed reading about these elusive treasures from the sea, studying their colors and origins, and following the stories of those who collect them. But as much as I have searched, I have never found any genuine shards of my own. I wondered what far-off shore or boat this had come from. It was a small treasure indeed! And I would have missed it if I had not taken the chance to venture out on this day.
“As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” – Marianne Williamson
