Purpose




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" June 26 2003 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart" You are receiving this newsletter because you requested a subscription or a friend generously forwarded their copy to you. To subscribe send a blank e-mail to subscribe@write2theheart.com. ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------ Finding My Purpose By Cheryl Speir ------------------------------------------------------------ It was a hectic morning. The propane gas had run out during the night. I had to use the coffee pot to heat water so the boys could have oatmeal for breakfast. Oatmeal takes a little longer when cooked that way. No matter how it's cooked, it takes a major effort to clean it off of my toddler. As I dressed eighteen-month-old, Tim, I send the two older boys to their room to dress. With every article of clothing I put on Tim, I yell, "Ya'll hurry up, we're gong to be late." I foolishly believe they will pick up on my urgency and dress quickly. With Tim dressed I go to my room to squeeze my pregnant body into my uniform. I sigh as I look at myself in the mirror; I know I won't be able to wear it much longer. When I return to the living room, I am pleased to find Chris, my oldest, sitting on the sofa, hair brushed and ready to go. "Where's your brother?" I ask. "He's in the room hunting his clothes." "Aaron, hurry up, we are going to be late." I call out to him. Aaron comes running into the kitchen. I take one look and my mouth drops open. The sight before me leaves me momentarily speechless. He is prancing like a high stepping horse, completely naked except for the underwear on top of his head, singing, "Here Comes the Bride." I erupt in anger. "Get your clothes, and your shoes on, then get into the car. We are going to be late and I'm supposed to monitor the front door this morning." I'm feeling pretty miserable about now and it's not just because I'm pregnant. I hate hectic mornings. I hate loosing control and yelling. I hate going without coffee. With everyone strapped in, I pull out of the drive and proceed to the private school the boys attend. While they attend class, I assist with the reading program. "Why does every morning have to be a struggle," I moan to myself. I was pretty deep in the poor me attitude and gong deeper by the minute. As I drive around a corner, there is James walking down the road with his little dog behind him. He hears my vehicle as it approaches; he stops, and turns to see who is coming. It doesn't matter who it is, everyone is going to get a big smile and a happy wave of his hand. James was a normal little boy until he was eight years old. Then he became very ill with a high fever. At that time, there were no local medical facilities. By the time his parents were able to get him medical attention, he was left forever eight-years-old mentally. I smile and wave back. Then it happened, I feel a lifting of my spirit. All of a sudden my attitude changes. I feel better about the morning and myself. I see clearly that we are each born with a purpose. James' was to stand at the side of the road and share a smile and wave to everyone who passes by. People can't help but smile in return. In doing so they are going to change their outlook on their day. My purpose is to raise my sons to the best of my ability. If that means scraping oatmeal off of babies and floors, so be it. If it means controlling my anger when my children do childish things, then I will. Twenty years later, James' smile is still with me. Cheryl Speir moderator@write2theheart.com --------------------------------------------------------------- James still stands on the side of the road where he lives sharing a smile and a wave. -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- Letters From Our Readers -------------------------------------------------------------- It was hard for me to believe that I could love a grandchild as much as I love my child. But the first time that baby of my baby looked at me a smiled.. I'm so glad Betty shared with us. I have enjoyed her stories. She takes common everyday joys and ties them in with her love of the Lord. Keep it up, I like it. Janice --------------------------------------------------------------- Military Prayer Reminder --------------------------------------------------------------- As you read over this list of names, please take that moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Thaddeaus Howard Todd Holland Graham William Julie Sagel Jessie Marshal Thompson Jason Eric Hernandez Kristin Danielson Ken Prieur Please continue to pray for our country, our leaders, and our troops at this time. If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. --------------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl's Corner Guess what I did yesterday! In-line skate. Logan, Mason and I skated on the road in front of my house. We had a ball. If I'm going to do much of this, I will have to find a stretch of pave without small holes and irregularities in it. They were delighted at the thought that I might fall. I did not relish the thought. Somehow I stayed on my feet, or rather my wheels. God Bless, Cheryl ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 2003 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.