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I think it’s time to say goodnight dear friends. Before I go, however, I want to tell you a story. When I was in third grade, I felt really bad because I didn’t think anyone liked me. I moped around on the playground with my head hanging down. It was one of my sad moments.
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I had many silly and sad moments in those days, and I have them even now. Other kids viewed my moods as a weakness. Yes, some of them viewed me as an easy target for ridicule and I gave them plenty to work with almost every day.
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I will confess to you that I committed the cardinal sin of crying as a boy. Of course, that was all some of those kids needed. It was as if, I gave them the platform they needed and desired on a silver platter. I didn’t understand that back then.
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All I knew was that I felt miserable every day, but a classmate came along one day and said something that lifted up my spirit. He told me I was special. No, he didn’t mean a special case. He meant unique and worthy of respect. That was 50 about years ago.
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That classmate became a lifelong friend to me and I watched him aid others and lift them out of pits of despair in Baltimore, Maryland as a Lutheran minister. Though I am no longer religious, I believe in what he does.
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Lifting other people up is the best thing we can do with our lives. I don’t always live up to that ideal. In fact, I didn’t today when I found out one of my holiday purchases was canceled due to lack of inventory. I was indeed wanting in empathy.
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I hope to become a more compassionate human being. It is the most important work of my life along with calming down and giving peace a chance. I remember my friend’s words and deeds. I remember how powerful they have been to me.
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I leave you tonight with this thought. You are special in a very good way. You are important to more people than you possibly realize. In fact, you’re essential. Finally, you are worthy of respect, admiration, and love. May peace, joy, and love fill your heart.
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