The Box Full of Love

Here's a story that I "borrowed" from Jim Gentil and his Positive People Power Newsletter. For more information check out his website by clicking on his name above. Enjoy the story . . .

The Box Full of Love

An 11-year-old boy named Todd was struggling to adjust to the death of his mother. His father had abandoned the family long ago, and Todd was living with an aunt who made it known she resented the responsibility.

On several occasions, the boy's teacher heard the aunt tell Todd, "If it weren't for my generosity, you would be a homeless orphan." The teacher tried hard to make Todd feel valued, and she encouraged his interest in making things.

Just before the Christmas break, Todd shyly presented her with a small decorated box." It's beautiful!" the teacher gushed. Todd replied, "There's something special inside my mom gave to me before she died. She said it's the one thing I can give and still have plenty left. It helps you feel better when you're sad and safe when you're scared."

As the teacher started to open the box, Todd warned her, "Oh, you can't see it."

"Well, what is it?" she asked kindly.

"It's love. And you're the first person, since my mom, who I love."

The teacher hugged Todd and whispered in his ear, "I'll treasure this forever. It's the best gift I ever got." She kept the box on her desk always. Whenever she was sad or scared, she opened it and the love inside never let her down.

Years later, Todd sent her the tassel he wore for his graduation from medical school. It's been in the box ever since.

In truth, the gift that keeps on giving is not diamonds; it's love. The more you give away, the more you have left.

Make a difference in someone's life today by sharing some love.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Prophets of Can't

How many struggling individuals have surrendered their dreams to the Prophets of Can't. Sad is the state of the person who allows their hopes, dreams or aspirations to fall prey to the "poor spirits" spoken of by Teddy Roosevelt, "Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits (emphasis mine) who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."

Edgar Guest composed the following poem. I hope it gives you a proverbial shot in the arm, and helps to energize you when the going gets tough.

CAN'T

Can't is the worst word that's written or spoken;

Doing more harm here than slander and lies;

On it is many a strong spirit broken,

And with it many a good purpose dies.

It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning

And robs us of courage we need through the day:

It rings in our ears like a timely sent warning

And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.

Can't is the father of feeble endeavor,

The parent of terror and halfhearted work;

It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,

And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk.

It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,

It stifles in infancy many a plan;

It greets honest toiling with open derision

And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.

Can't is a word none should speak without blushing;

To utter it should be a symbol of shame;

Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;

It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim.

Despise it with all of your hatred of error;

Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain;

Arm against it as a creature of terror,

And all that you dream of you someday shall gain.

Can't is the word that is far from ambition,

An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;

Its prey is forever the man with a mission

And bows but to courage and patience and skill.

Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying,

For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man;

Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying

and answer this demon by saying: "I can!"

Making a Difference . . . because I CAN!