No 53. Changing Lives through Dancing
By David Earl Woodbury
Friday, January 1, 2016
Grow by Brave Reflection!
“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection.”- Thomas Paine (1737-1809) British-American Writer
What happened to the holidays and 2015? It seems as if just yesterday we were taking Christmas Eve off for mass. Joel and I served the 4 PM, 6 PM, were Co-Team Leaders of the 9 PM, and we served the Midnight in the Church. Plus, we walked to and from the campus. We did a little bit of everything that night. We directed traffic on Lincoln, had dinner in the rectory, said “Merry Christmas” to hundreds of guests, and we heard the best Christmas music in the world with four different choirs and cantors. What a great night.
Christmas Day was quiet and peaceful. The next thing I knew, it was Saturday night and I was getting ready for Sunday’s Mass. Then, I was preparing for my return to the studio. Wow, time flies!
This reflection shows me that time passes quickly and we should make the most of our lives, while we have them. A poison to me is apathy. I asked someone recently how their Christmas was and they shrugged their shoulders and said “naaaah” with a frown. The response still saddens me, for I had the best Christmas of my life, and I’m still excited over it. Take joy from life, then share it with others. Don’t share the “grumpy” part of life, share the excitement and thrill of life.
“Despite some of the horrors and barbarisms of modern life which appall and grieve us, life has – or has the potential of – such richness, joy and adventure as were unknown to our ancestors except in their dreams.”- Arthur Holly Compton (1892 – 1962) American Physicist
We can live the dream today that in the past others could only imagine. We are surrounded by the richness of life; we just have to embrace it.
“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Are you afraid of making mistakes? I make mistakes every day. Usually it is my big mouth and the words that come out of it that trips me up daily. Controlling my tongue is my greatest challenge. Yet, I plan living my life as a presenter, trainer and speaker. The price for this goal will be to master what I think first, then govern the words that come from my heart to other’s ears. Yes, life is an experiment to see if we are able to achieve our great potential.
“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” – Moliere (Jean Baptiste Poquelin) (1622 – 1673)
On this, the first day of 2016, write out a dream list of what you will do this year. Tell others about it. Choose tough goals and plan how you will achieve them. I think that 2016 is your year. My word for this year is “Unforgettable”. I want to be remembered for the service given and the lives that were changed. A big goal yes, but a goal of a lifetime for me. Live in the glory and have a great year!
Thank you,
David Earl Woodbury
davidearlwoodbury@gmail.com