Day 3,130

Growth:

Never underestimate the ability we have to make a positive impact in the lives of others through kindness, compassion, and love. The simple actions we take from the heart can lead to smiles and joy, just as others do for us throughout each day. A small action, a little smile, an acknowledgment – it may seem simple in the moment to the person who shares it, but can have a profoundly positive impact on the person who needs it in that moment.

Appreciation:

I’ve read Spin by Robert Charles Wilson at least four or five times now. I know, I’m an odd dude with my penchant for reading the same book multiple times, but there is such joy to be found in the repeated reading of beloved stories.

Though I know what happens I’m always in awe of how much I learn in each subsequent iteration. There seems to be a level of complexity and depth that increases in proportion to number of times I have read it. This most recent reading firmly cemented this book as one of my favorite thought provoking fictions as I realized how much I can learn about myself, others, life, and faith through this story. For sure, it is not a scientific research based book, but through the characters I find myself asking myself so many questions, putting myself in the characters’ shoes, and mentally testing my thoughts. The fiction creates a wonderful vacuum to exercise my mind. Each time I’ve read this book the deeper the thoughts throughout have become.

I know, the only way to find more books like this that I want to repeatedly read is to read more books the first time, but I’m still grateful for the books which compel me to come back over and over again.

Presence:

The song Adagio for Strings was the heart wrenchingly exquisite music played during one of the key scenes in the movie Platoon. In my drive home it came to mind for some unknown reason. As the strings built towards the crescendo the soul piercing high notes brought unexpected tears to my eyes. Such beauty! To be moved to emotion like this by music is amongst my greatest joys in life.

Thanks!!!