Full Moon

By Yogesh Goel

---

As I sat on the park bench enjoying the cool night air and gazing at the people who were taking a break from the rest of the world, two young lovers passed me by. And I overheard the woman say, "Honey, why can't the moon always be this full and beautiful as it is tonight?"

He replied, "I don't know dear, but I am glad we were blessed enough to see another one together." And that made me, well at first shed a tear at their exchanged words, but then it made me ask myself, "Why doesn't it?"

Then, of course, knowing me, I thought and thought some more. Then I concluded, how can we ask the moon to constantly shine so beautiful night after night if we as humans can not find it in ourselves to do the same? Why can't we find what it takes to remain illuminating creatures when we bear witness time after time of the glorious dreams we have shown to be so capable of.

Why do we so often blow out our candles and let the darkness escape to cover up a portion of our glow? Do we cycle through our emotions the same as the moon? Or why can't we consistently find the peace and love that I can so clearly recognize in this young couple: the way they grip each others hand as if they never want to let go, the way they walk so slowly in rhythm with one another as if their heartbeats our setting the pace, and the way they stare at each other as if they have found the gateway to the soul in each other's eyes.

Then I think again: maybe we "can" control the moon's luster; it's wholeness. Just maybe if we can find it in our hearts ourselves to shine with such a radiance, then maybe, overtime will we begin to notice as we look towards heaven on a clear night that we shall see the moon as full and as bright as we ourselves choose to be. Maybe we only deserve to see this brilliance so often. And maybe only when enough people can accumulate over a cycle enough love, peace, and goodwill towards one another shall the moon dazzle us in all her beauty.

So now whenever I think the moon is going through her cycle again, I will tell myself, "No... She is waiting on us to go through ours."

---

***************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Yogesh Goel
Qualifications :
• Pursuing Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.), Calcutta University. (July 2002 - Till Date)
• Intermediate in Commerce (ISC) from Don Bosco School Liluah, India. (April 2000 – March 2002)

Computer Literacy :
• Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher.
• Image Editing / Graphics – PhotoShop, Illustrator, PageMaker, Image Ready, Ulead Cool 3D, Xara Webstyle, Xara 3D
• Web Design - MS FrontPage & Dream Weaver.
• Operating System – Windows 98, ME, XP

Work Experience :
• Web Site Developer and Hardware Engineer – WebRangers. (January 2001 - till Date)
Responsibilities – Pioneered in formation of the firm, dealing with clients, developing Web Sites, assembling computers, and was head of the management team.

Courtesy - http://www.yogeshgoel.8m.com,www.immortalstories.8m.com/

Surat Cinta

Suami saya adalah seorang yang sederhana, saya mencintai sifatnya yang
alami dan saya menyukai perasaan hangat yang muncul di perasaan saya, ketika
saya bersandar di bahunya yang bidang.

Tiga tahun dalam masa perkenalan, dan dua tahun dalam masa pernikahan, saya
harus akui, bahwa saya mulai merasa lelah, alasan-alasan saya mencintainya
dulu telah berubah menjadi sesuatu yang menjemukan.

Saya seorang wanita yang sentimentil dan benar-benar sensitif serta
berperasaan halus.
Saya merindukan saat-saat romantis seperti seorang anak yang menginginkan
permen.
Tetapi semua itu tidak pernah saya dapatkan.

Suami saya jauh berbeda dari yang saya harapkan. Rasa sensitif-nya kurang.
Dan ketidakmampuannya dalam menciptakan suasana yang romantis dalam
pernikahan kami telah mementahkan semua harapan saya akan cinta yang ideal.

Suatu hari, saya beranikan diri untuk mengatakan keputusan saya kepadanya,
bahwa saya menginginkan perceraian.

"Mengapa?", tanya suami saya dengan terkejut.
"Saya lelah, kamu tidak pernah bisa memberikan cinta yang saya inginkan,"
jawab saya.

Suami saya terdiam dan termenung sepanjang malam di depan komputernya,
tampak seolah-olah sedang mengerjakan sesuatu, padahal tidak.


Kekecewaan saya semakin bertambah, seorang pria yang bahkan tidak dapat
mengekspresikan perasaannya, apalagi yang bisa saya harapkan darinya?

Dan akhirnya suami saya bertanya, "Apa yang dapat saya lakukan untuk merubah
pikiran kamu?"

Saya menatap matanya dalam-dalam dan menjawab dengan pelan,"Saya punya
pertanyaan, jika kau dapat menemukan jawabannya di dalam perasaan saya, saya
akan merubah pikiran saya :

"Seandainya, saya menyukai setangkai bunga indah yg ada di tebing gunung.
Kita berdua tahu jika kamu memanjat gunung itu, kamu akan mati.
Apakah kamu akan memetik bunga itu untuk saya?"

Dia termenung dan akhirnya berkata, "Saya akan memberikan jawabannya besok."

Perasaan saya langsung gundah mendengar responnya.

Keesokan paginya, dia tidak ada di rumah, dan saya menemukan selembar kertas
dengan oret-oretan tangannya dibawah sebuah gelas yang berisi susu hangat
yang bertuliskan ......

"Sayang, saya tidak akan mengambil bunga itu untukmu, tetapi ijinkan saya
untuk menjelaskan alasannya."



Kalimat pertama ini menghancurkan perasaan saya.

Saya melanjutkan untuk membacanya.

"Kamu selalu pegal-pegal pada waktu 'teman baik kamu' datang setiap
bulannya, dan saya harus memberikan tangan saya untuk memijat kaki kamu yang
pegal."

"Kamu senang diam di rumah, dan saya selalu kuatir kamu akan menjadi 'aneh'.
Saya harus membelikan sesuatu yang dapat menghibur kamu di rumah atau
meminjamkan lidah saya untuk menceritakan hal-hal lucu yang saya alami."

"Kamu selalu terlalu dekat menonton televisi, terlalu dekat membaca buku,
dan itu tidak baik untuk kesehatan mata kamu. Saya harus menjaga mata saya
agar ketika kita tua nanti, saya masih dapat menolong mengguntingkan kuku
kamu dan mencabuti uban kamu."

"Tangan saya akan memegang tangan kamu, membimbing kamu menelusuri pantai,
menikmati matahari pagi dan pasir yang indah. Menceritakan warna-warna bunga
yang bersinar dan indah seperti cantiknya wajah kamu."

"Tetapi Sayang, saya tidak akan mengambil bunga indah yang ada di tebing
gunung itu hanya untuk mati. Karena, saya tidak sanggup melihat air mata
kamu mengalir.

"Sayang, saya tahu, ada banyak orang yang bisa mencintai kamu lebih dari
saya mencintai kamu. Untuk itu Sayang, jika semua yang telah diberikan
tangan saya, kaki saya, mata saya tidak cukup buat kamu, saya tidak bisa
menahan kamu untuk mencari tangan, kaki, dan mata lain yang dapat
membahagiakan kamu."

Air mata saya jatuh ke atas tulisannya dan membuat tintanya menjadi kabur,
tetapi saya tetap berusaha untuk terus membacanya.

"Dan sekarang, Sayang, kamu telah selesai membaca jawaban saya.


Jika kamu puas dengan semua jawaban ini, dan tetap menginginkan saya untuk
tinggal di rumah ini, tolong bukakan pintu rumah kita, saya sekarang sedang
berdiri di sana menunggu jawaban kamu."

"Jika kamu tidak puas dengan jawaban saya ini, Sayang, biarkan saya masuk
untuk membereskan barang-barang saya, dan saya tidak akan mempersulit hidup
kamu. Percayalah, bahagia saya adalah bila kamu bahagia."

Saya segera berlari membuka pintu dan melihatnya berdiri di depan pintu
dengan wajah penasaran sambil tangannya memegang susu dan roti kesukaan
saya.


Oh, kini saya tahu, tidak ada orang yang pernah mencintai saya lebih dari
dia mencintai saya.

Itulah cinta, di saat kita merasa cinta itu telah berangsur-angsur hilang
dari perasaan kita, karena kita merasa dia tidak dapat memberikan cinta
dalam wujud yang kita inginkan, maka cinta itu sesungguhnya telah hadir
dalam wujud lain yang tidak pernah kita bayangkan sebelumnya.

Seringkali yang kita butuhkan adalah memahami wujud cinta dari pasangan
kita, dan bukan mengharapkan wujud tertentu.

Karena cinta tidak selalu harus berwujud "bunga"

The Magic of Your Beliefs

By Nick Arandes

---

I'd like to share with you an inspiring true story. I had been wanting to move to Los Angeles, CA for the last several years. When I finally made the decision back in 1992, I had a few opportunities but every time I pursued them something would happen that would not allow me to leave. Back then I was in the process of writing my first manuscript of a book. In December, 1992 and January 1993, my book was in the early stages of editing. Even when my financial situation was really challenging, I was always able to keep working on it.

I did not have a computer or a type writer. I was doing everything on pen and paper. In February a friend of mine asked me if I was interested in renting an apartment in Los Angeles. (Is that not what I wanted?) I accepted and paid to hold it for two months. Unfortunately, I could not keep paying the rent because financially I hit bottom. (Resistance) I was broke. I even considered filing for bankruptcy.

I never gave up the idea of moving to Los Angeles. I simply understood that there must be a reason why my dream could not be manifested at that time. (Surrender) That same month, I went to a local comedy club in Miami, Florida. After my performance, the entertainment coordinator for a major cruise line saw me and asked me to call him at his office the next day. Working for the cruise line, they not only took care of all my travel expenses but I was generating between $800 to $1,400 a week in income.

Around July of that same year, my grandmother in Puerto Rico became very ill. Because the cruise line had ships in Puerto Rico, they would fly me back and forth between Miami and Puerto Rico so that I could visit my grandmother. Most of the time I would stay in Puerto Rico where I would join a ship for a couple of days and they would fly me back.
In October, my grandmother passed away and I had to take care of the funeral arrangements. Because I am an only child and my mother had died five years prior to my grandmother, all of a sudden I was overwhelmed with many responsibilities. Thanks to the cruise line, I could still make money while I was taking care of things at home in Puerto Rico.

That same month I got a call from a production company in West Palm Beach, Florida telling me that 20th Century Fox was interested in me for a television pilot. 20th Century Fox put me on a holding deal for $30,000. If I had moved to Los Angeles when I wanted to, it would have been difficult for me to handle the financial responsibilities that came my way.

As you can see, everything in life follows a perfect order. God wants the best for us. The Universe knew all the challenges I was going to face that particular year. But my dream was never denied. Besides, how could it possible be denied when it is not really me dream. It is God's dream. I am just the channel, just as you are, through which desires are transmuted into physical experience. All that was required from me at that moment was to move in the direction of my dream. So what is your dream? Do not concern yourself with details regarding how to make it happen because that is none of your business. Notice how the Universe made my dream come true in a way that I was not even expecting. Not only did I end up moving to California, but I moved with plenty of money in my pocket, a development deal and a manuscript.

Before closing I want you to be aware that when I mentioned earlier in the chapter that I was broke, I could have easily said poor. The reason I chose the word broke as opposed to poor, is because a person who is broke understands that he or she can figure out a way to generate income. On the other hand, someone who is poor has made a decision to remain that way. Poverty has nothing to do with economy or circumstances, it is a state of mind. Believe it or not, it is a personal decision. So be aware of how you talk to yourself.

In January of 1993 I was completely broke financially, ready to file bankruptcy. I had no work lined up, but by the end of that year I had made an annual income of $44.000. I traveled all over the Caribbean with all expenses paid, I got to stay in Puerto Rico with my grandmother, I ended up with a $30,000 development deal with 20th Century Fox and relocated to Los Angeles, California. That's the MAGIC of your beliefs!

---

***************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nick Arandes has written many articles. Some have been published in spiritual publications as well as online. His book on tape, All Your Dreams Are Meant To Be Fulfilled, has been endorsed by Dr. Deepak Chopra, Louise L. Hay and John and Jan Randolph Price just to name a few. His website is: www.fulfillyourdreams.com

Sistem Poin

Seorang pria meninggal dunia dan rohnya pergi ke Surga. Di gerbang Surga ia disambut oleh Petrus.

Petrus berkata, "Inilah syarat untuk masuk ke Surga. Engkau memerlukan 100 poin untuk masuk. Caranya, sebutkan semua perbuatan baik yang telah engkau lakukan semasa hidupmu. Tiap-tiap perbuatan baik akan diberi poin sesuai dengan derajat kebaikannya. Kalau engkau sudah mencapai 100 poin maka engkau berhak menjadi penghuni Surga."

"Baiklah," kata orang tersebut, "saya telah menikah selama 50 tahun dan tidak pernah berselingkuh maupun berbohong terhadap istriku walau di dalam pikiran sekalipun."

"Itu bagus," kata Petrus, "nilainya 3 poin!"

"Tiga poin?!" kata orang itu dengan sedikit kecewa. "Baiklah, saya selalu hadir dalam setiap kebaktian Minggu selama hidup saya. Saya selalu membayar perpuluhan dan mendukung penuh pelayanan pekerjaan Tuhan di gereja."

"Luar biasa!" kata Petrus. "Hal ini sudah pasti menghasilkan 1 poin."

"Satu poin?!?" keluhnya; sekarang ia benar-benar merasa cemas. "Saya menjadi pelopor dapur umum untuk orang-orang miskin di kota saya dan saya bekerja di tempat penampungan untuk para veteran perang yang tidak punya rumah."

"Hebat! Itu berarti engkau memiliki tambahan 2 poin lagi," kata Petrus.

"Dua poin!?" orang itu berteriak. "Dengan sistem penilaian seperti ini, satu-satunya cara untuk dapat masuk ke Surga hanyalah dengan kasih anugerah Tuhan!"

Petrus mengangguk dan berkata, "Tepat, 100 poin untuk engkau! Masuklah anakku."

Four Beautiful Stories ?

- Marsha Jordan

---

STORM DEBRIS

After some friends lost their home in a tornado, I helped them clean up what was left. There wasn't much. Where their house had once stood was a refrigerator. That's all. Destruction was everywhere. Debris covered the yard and the nearby woods. All day we sorted through the rubble, hoping to find intact some piece of our friends' lives. We could rescue only a few belongings. We uncovered some important papers, a few small personal items, and a handful of photos - not very much to represent an entire lifetime. I'm sure the family treasures these mementos because they're all that remains from their pre-tornado life.

Like the devastating winds of a tornado, I've felt trouble beat against my life. Hardships blow into every life, threatening to knock down all that we value. In the wreckage, we can usually find some valuable treasures, if our eyes are open to recognize them and our hearts are open to receive them.

As long as we're in this world, we will have tribulation. (John 16:33) But this Bible verse also says, "In me you may have peace." How can we have peace amid tribulation? Peace doesn't result from the removal of unpleasant circumstances. It comes from releasing our own plans and being open to God's plan. Rest comes from fixing our eyes on Him instead of on circumstances. It comes from giving up on living for myself and living for Him instead.

From God's vantage point, there is no true debris. I'm confident that He is in the midst of any storm, and I try to keep my eyes open to see the gift He gives with the rubble. He has promised that, for those who love Him, He'll bring blessings out of storms.

* * * *
Additional Thought To Ponder: Adversity is like a strong wind.

You can struggle against it or you can let it carry you in a new direction

* * * *


CUPCAKES, CHEETOS, AND COOKIES, Oh My!

Are you the type of person who eats when you're stressed? I am. I eat when I'm stressed, when I'm sad, when I'm happy, and when I'm tired. I believe there's a food for every mood.

I eat for any reason at any time. I eat when I'm watching television, I eat while riding in the car, and I even eat while sitting at the computer. There are enough crumbs in my keyboard to feed a troupe of boy scouts. Every once in a while, I just shake it over the table and announce to the husband,"Dinner's ready!"

I eat too much, too often. Since I was a kid, I've had a weight problem. I could never weight for the next meal. I began wearing a girdle to school in kindergarten, and I've been on diets for most of my life.

I recently began yet another new eating regimen. Forbidden food groups include appetizers and desserts, anything processed or fried, and anything with meat or dairy products in it. I must also avoid all foods seen on TV commercials or restaurant menus. I cannot eat anything prepared by my grandma, Aunt Hildegard, my third cousin twice removed, or any other member of the family. It's called the Oriental Diet. I can eat all I want from the specified food list (celery, kale, bok choi, and those tiny ears of corn), but I must use only one chopstick.

This week, I've failed miserably at sticking to my eating plan. I've had an insatiable appetite for junk food. In addition to a dumpster load of Hostess Twinkies, I've devoured roughly eleven cases of raspberry Fig Newtons and eight and a half pounds of extra crunchy Cheetos. I can't be sneaky about it either. When the husband asks if I've eaten all the Cheetos, how can I look innocent when my fingers and teeth are orange?

Wouldn't you think that after stuffing myself with junk food all week I'd be satisfied? I'm not. In fact, the more I eat, the more I crave. If I continue this way, I'll need a front end loader to lift my carcass out of the Lazy Boy.

To make matters worse, I don't get enough exercise. But I really can't do much that's physical, because I think I pulled a fat cell. I'm barely able to crawl to the kitchen for six square meals a day.

I really need to lose weight. I want to know how it feels to bend over and tie my shoes without cutting off the blood supply above my waist and feeling as if my intestines are being pushed out my ears. It would be great to zip my jeans without fainting from lack of oxygen. So I must get back on track. I'll paste on my refrigerator door that old proverb uttered by some wise sage: "If it tastes good, spit it out."

From now on, I'll plan my meals around a main dish of parsley. Only
nutritional foods will pass my lips, like rutabagas, spinach, and celery -- stuff that takes half an hour to chew. By the time I swallow them, my aching jaws will be too tired to munch extra-crunchy Cheetos or anything else. Now if I could only figure out a way to make veggies taste like turtle cheesecake.

To keep my weight down and my arteries clean, I must eat health-restoring foods. Similarly, keeping my spiritual arteries open and flowing freely requires health food for my soul. Whoever coined the phrase "Garbage in, garbage out" knew what he was talking about. When I dump into my spirit things that I'm better off without, they transform my perceptions, attitude, and actions. The result can be just as shocking as that horror-filled moment when I view my cellulite-riddled body in Wal-mart's dressing room mirror.

So, I've made two resolutions. One is to strengthen my body and fuel it with life-sustaining foods. Also, I'll incorporate into my lifestyle more exercise than just aerobic eating and lifting extra large Hershey bars. I'll start slowly with the goal of working up to three sit ups a day. And instead of walking, I'll jog from my bed to the table.

I also plan to exercise my faith and feast spiritually on the word of God. This will be easier and much more palatable than a physical diet; and it will keep my sin-sick, love-starved soul in tip-top health. Bible study is the meat that gives me strength for handling stress and a clear mind to make good decisions. And, unlike Chinese food, it doesn't leave me feeling empty in an hour.

Jeremiah 15:16 says, "When your words came, I ate them; and they were my joy and my heart's delight." Jesus promised that whoever hungers and thirsts for righteousness will be satisfied, and Psalm 63:5 testifies, "My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods."

I feel better already.

*****
Additional Thought To Ponder:

"Taste and see that the Lord is good." (Psalm 34:8)

* * * * *

TRUE RICHES

Do you know anybody who gambles on the slot machines in Las Vegas? Most people like the idea of having money spill out of a machine into their pockets, but that's not likely to happen.

Even though I don't gamble and I don't have a high paying job, I am rich because I possess a treasure greater than money. It provides great joy, it helps me get to heaven, and it can change my life on earth. It's free and available to anyone. It's a love letter written from the heart of the all-powerful creator of the world. It's the Bible.

If God suddenly appeared before us and wanted to chat, wouldn't we drop
everything and pay close attention to what He had to say? Yet, we have a
written message from Him and many of us ignore it. We would get excited about meeting the president, famous athletes, or movie stars. Why don't we show the same enthusiasm and awe when we encounter the highest power in the universe through His written word?

Is your Bible hidden away on a shelf? Do you even own one? In some
countries, it's illegal to read the Bible. In others, Bibles are so expensive that only the wealthy can afford them. I have five Bibles in my house, but most families around the globe have none; and they'd be grateful for an opportunity just to borrow one periodically.

Do you appreciate the treasure that's sitting on your coffee table collecting dust? Do you take advantage of our freedom to study the wisdom contained in this book?

I don't need to gamble in Vegas for riches. The greatest treasure in this
world is available to me wherever I am. It may be as close as my corner
bookshelf.

* * * *
Additional Thought To Ponder:

"I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure." (Psalm 119:162)

* * * *

CAN YOU HEAR ME?

As we age, the hearing and eye sight are usually the first things to go, but my memory beat them to it. My smarts checked out of Hotel Cerebellum long ago.

My four-year-old grandson, frustrated by my poor memory, suggested that I
visit a "head doctor." When I asked why, he told me, "You need somebody to
help you think smarter because you have a bad brain."

It's sad when a preschooler realizes that he's smarter than you are. The
kid's not even in kindergarten and he's outgrown me.
I'm reminded of something the Bible says about people who have trouble
seeing, hearing and understanding.

"Therefore I speak to them in parables," Jesus said, "because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand . . . " (Matthew 13:13) Why do some people not hear, see, and understand what God tells them? It's not a communication problem. It's a heart problem.
"For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of
hearing, and their eyes they have closed, . . . lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them." (Matthew 13:15) Though God speaks to us through the Bible, we can be slow to understand. Our hearts are not receptive. We have selective hearing.

We all need to open our eyes and ears to see and hear not just what we want to see and hear, but what God is trying to communicate to us!

* * * *
Additional Thought To Ponder:

A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. (Author unknown)

* * * *

---

***************************************************
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marsha Jordan is a disabled grandmother, author, and shower singer who began her writing career on the bathroom walls of St. Joseph's Catholic Elementary School. Now her writing appears in restrooms throughout the country.Jordan has two boys, ages 30 and 55. She's been married to the 55 year old for 31 years.

She's been held captive for a quarter of a century In the north woods of Wisconsin where she shares an empty nest with her rocket scientist husband and their badly behaved toy poodle, King Louie who rules the household with an iron paw. Jordan, who has eaten enough chocolate to make the Guinness Book of Records, spends her days ignoring her dirty oven and dreaming of the things she'd like to do but probably never will -- including overcoming the trauma of class picture day in second grade. Her hobbies (besides eating and napping) include rubber stamping, collecting antiques, riding her pet pig Shirley, and studying do-it-yourself dentistry.

After her grandson was badly burned, Jordan created The HUGS and HOPE Foundation, a nonprofit charity devoted to cheering critically ill and injured children.

Jordan's inspirational and humorous essays are available in her new book, "Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter." The book is illustrated with drawings by kids who are battling for life. To learn more visit hugsandhope.org/pb.htm

By combining hope with humor and drawing upon her own experience of living with chronic pain and depression, Jordan shares everyday experiences, lessons she's learned, and practical coping skills. Once active and energetic, her busy schedule came to a halt when she fell victim to a connective tissue disease, causing migraines, fatigue, fibromyalgia, and joint pain. Due to illness complications, Jordan was temporarily struck blind; so she knows how it feels to be sick, in pain and afraid.

In her book, Jordan (Phyllis Diller wannabe) recounts her search for the perfect purse, camping adventures, aging without grace, and dealing with her "very male" husband. Some chapter titles include, "Limburger Attitude, "The Joy of Shopping," "Is Broccoli Hazardous?" and "Life in the Manure Pile."

Jordan has received many awards for her work with children, and was featured in Rosie Magazine as well as on WGN television's Unsung Heroes program. She's had devotionals and stories published in "A Cup of Comfort" and other anthologies. Her articles have appeared in "Heart Light" and "Obadiah" magazines. Jordan is a regular columnist for "Handmaidens" magazine and "My Walk With Jesus" Christian newspaper; and she has contributed to over 50 online newsletters and e-zines, such as "Heart Warmers," "Power to Share," and "Warm Fuzzy Stories."

Between writing, running a nonprofit charity from her home, and enjoying time with her grandson, Jordan devotes herself to three pursuits: white chocolate, dark, chocolate, and milk chocolate

Kata-kata Kehidupan

Sekelompok kodok sedang berjalan-jalan melintasi hutan. Malangnya, dua di antara kodok tersebut jatuh kedalam sebuah lubang. Kodok-kodok yang lain mengelilingi lubang tersebut. Ketika melihat betapa dalamnya lubang tersebut, mereka berkata pada kedua kodok tersebut bahwa mereka lebih baik mati. Kedua kodok tersebut mengacuhkan komentar-komentar itu dan mencoba melompat keluar dari lubang itu dengan segala kemampuan yang ada. Kodok yang lainnya tetap mengatakan agar mereka berhenti melompat dan lebih baik mati.

Akhirnya, salah satu dari kodok yang ada di lubang itu mendengarkan kata-kata kodok yang lain dan menyerah. Dia terjatuh dan mati. Sedang kodok yang satunya tetap melanjutkan untuk melompat sedapat mungkin. Sekali lagi kerumunan kodok tersebut berteriak padanya agar berhenti berusaha dan mati saja. Dia bahkan berusaha lebih kencang dan akhirnya berhasil.

Akhirnya, dengan sebuah lompatan yang kencang, dia berhasil sampai di atas. Kodok lainnya takjub dengan semangat kodok yang satu ini, dan bertanya "Apa kau tidak mendengar teriakan kami?" Lalu kodok itu (dengan membaca gerakan bibir kodok yang lain) menjelaskan bahwa ia tuli.

Akhirnya mereka sadar bahwa saat di bawah tadi mereka dianggap telah memberikan semangat kepada kodok tersebut.

Apa yang dapat kita pelajari dari ilustrasi di atas?

Kekuatan hidup dan mati ada di lidah. Kata-kata positif yang diberikan pada seseorang yang sedang "jatuh" justru dapat membuat orang tersebut bangkit dan membantu mereka dalam menjalani hari-hari.

Sebaliknya, kata-kata buruk yang diberikan pada seseorang yang sedang "jatuh" dapat membunuh mereka. Hati hatilah dengan apa yang akan diucapkan.

Suarakan 'kata-kata kehidupan' kepada mereka yang sedang menjauh dari jalur hidupnya. Kadang-kadang memang sulit dimengerti bahwa 'kata-kata kehidupan' itu dapat membuat kita berpikir dan melangkah jauh dari yang kita perkirakan.

Semua orang dapat mengeluarkan 'kata-kata kehidupan' untuk membuat rekan dan teman atau bahkan kepada yang tidak kenal sekalipun untuk membuatnya bangkit dari keputus-asaanya, kejatuhannya, kemalangannya.

Sungguh indah apabila kita dapat meluangkan waktu kita untuk memberikan spirit bagi mereka yang sedang putus asa dan jatuh.

Sampaikanlah pesan ini kepada orang yang sedang kamu pikirkan sekarang ini.

Even a Banana Can Be a Miracle

By: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein

---

My daughter passed along the following true story—a wonderful example of the great Divine's ability to give us gifts, both great and small.

A few years ago a Rabbi's wife and their son had to go to Germany. The little boy was ill and the only appropriate treatment for his very unusual illness was to be found in a hospital in Germany. Mrs. Mandelson, being a survivor of the Holocaust, was not thrilled about going to Germany. However, it was the wisest decision, as her son's health came above all else.

Together mom and Yakov took the long, transatlantic, overnight flight, the bus ride to the hospital, and handled the complicated admitting process. Finally, fatigued, they settled into a hospital room for the son, which also contained a cot for mother.

A couple of days passed relatively uneventfully except for some preliminary tests and consultations. Now it was Friday, several hours before Shabbos. At home in Borough Park, Ruth would have been busily preparing for Shabbos. That morning she would have gotten up early to bake her own fresh challah. She would have worked to the stores early to find the best vegetables and fruits. All afternoon she would have cooked and cleaned until the house smelled delicious and shone.

Now, two hours before Shabbos, she was alone in a strange land that held certain haunting memories for her. She and Yakov had little to look forward to on Shabbos except the small bundle of goodies that she had brought with them. Thankfully, she had a little challah left over from last week. She had a special bottle of grape juice that her son loved and some other treats to round out the otherwise bland kosher food ordered for them in the hospital. It was minimal, but would have to do.

Yakov was feeling somewhat down this Friday, himself. At ten he was perfectly aware that his health was not good and of course he was keenly aware that he was lonely, away from his friends, brothers and sisters, and also in a sterile hospital setting. As the late afternoon shadows crossed their room his mood was quickly deteriorating. He was becoming blue.

Tears welled up in his eyes as he said to his mommy, "I hate being here. We're so alone. We have nothing to look forward to. We're all alone. This will be the worst Shabbos."

Ruth tried to offset his blues by telling him, "No, we're never alone. God is always with us. We have each other. I have some goodies that we will have later on Shabbos. And I'll tell you stories. Don't worry, we'll have fun."

But her mood was also quickly declining as much as she tried to stay optimistic and buoyant. To top it off, as they were standing in the corridor, waiting for the elevator back to their room to shower and change for Shabbos, she suddenly remembered that she had not taken her potassium in several days.

In fact, perhaps that was part of the reason why she was feeling off. She really needed potassium and now had no way of getting it on Shabbos. She was thinking to herself that even a banana would be helpful. But it was off-season for bananas. She hadn't seen any bananas on the hospital trays since they arrived.

Now, there was no time to go outside and shop. This was awful. They had only 40 minutes to Shabbos. These anxiety-provoking thoughts filled her brain as Yakov stood next to her. He looked so sad himself, kicking his little foot against the wall in a kind of random act of wasted motion as they waited for the elevator.

She wondered how in the world she could stay buoyant enough for both of them. They both noticed a family going by, a father, mother and three children all holding hands. That was the last straw as Yakov looked at the family, particularly his eyes, filled with tears, focused on the father.

"I miss my daddy so much. I am miserable."

Ruth felt she was going to cry also. She admitted to herself that she was miserable and began to have some dark thoughts as to whether it was worth coming to Germany for the treatment.

They seemed to wait a very long time by the elevator. Finally the elevator arrived and the doors opened. No one else was in the elevator. But in the far left corner on the floor, Ruth was astonished to see a perfectly ripe, juicy, delicious looking banana lying there.

"Wow," she said to herself, "I guess I can have my potassium after all."

She swooped down and picked up the banana. Then the marvel of the moment came together for her.

* This is based on a true story. However, I took the liberty, after hearing the facts once, to augment and dramatize the story in my own fashion. I hope my story is in the spirit on the true small miracle that happened.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein , originator of THE ENCHANTED SELF®, a method of bringing delight and meaning into everyday living, invites you to view her new line of ENCHANTED WOMAN products, downloadable e-books, and free gifts at http://www.enchantedself.com. Chat with others in Dr. Holstein's e-group, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/encself/join, and sign up for her free e-group at www.enchantedself.com. . Order her book, THE ENCHANTED SELF: A Positive Therapy, or the CD-rom or tape version and her book RECIPES FOR ENCHANTMENT: The Secret Ingredient is YOU!, or the ED-rom version, at http://www.enchantedself.com/ordering.htm