Archives at Zinester: "Shadows". "I Believe in You!".

Subject: "Shadows" - September19, 2006

"I Believe in You!"

A message of Hope, stories from the road.

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Hello, my friend!

A good week ahead. A good time to try. Try what?

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Perks Pearl of Wisdom

"Don't just get along in life. Don't just get by.

You'll always get ahead in life

Every time you try." Bob Perks

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Today's Message:

"Shadows"
By Bob Perks

"Daddy, it's following me. It won't go away!" said the

young child.

"It's not supposed to. It's your shadow," her father said

as he tried desperately not to laugh.

This was serious stuff for a young girl. Oh, she most likely

has seen it a thousand times already, but today it bothered

her. It was there and she didn't want it to be.

I sat on the bench nearby as I watched her running all over

the place trying desperately to get away from it. At one point

she went behind a tree. She was small enough that the tree's

shadow consumed hers.

"It's gone, Daddy. The tree ate it!" she said. We both started laughing.

Suddenly the sun went behind a cloud. Both shadows

dimmed as she stepped away from the tree.

She happily approached her Father, smiling a victory smile

having won out over this mystery that chased her all day.

"I did it, Daddy!" she said proudly.

"But honey. A shadow is only a reflection of you," her father said.

"But it's so big!" she told him. "I'm not that big."

"But in God's eyes you are. He shines the light of the sun

on you to prove it," he said.

There's an old Chinese proverb that in essence says,

"Little things cast big shadows."

As we move forward in life, our past becomes a shadow,

a reflection of who we are. All too often, although we are

fully grown and mature adults, we too, are afraid of our own shadows.

But why?

A shadow is a dark image without details. It's an outline of

who we are but lacks all the intricate tones and smartly cut

traces of the real you. What the world sees is the part that

faces the sun. The you that you have become. It's not

interested in the image reflected on the ground, the stuff of yesterday.

Maybe you have no shadow of your own because you have

been standing in the shadow of others. Step out into the light.

Show the world the face that is uniquely yours.

If you can see your shadow, you are headed the wrong way.

The real treasures in life come when we face the brightness

of the day ahead.

I have two sunflowers that have grown in a small flower pot on

my deck. The first one finally bloomed after reaching nearly eight

feet in height. As the day progresses the flower turns it's head to

follow the light of the sun. I have yet to see it looking at it's shadow.

Are you not smarter than the flower?

"I believe in You!"

I encourage you to share my stories with your friends but, when

copying I ask that you keep my name and contact information

attached so that new readers can find their way here. Use of this

story for commercial use is prohibited without direct permission

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Your Comments... If you would like to share brief comment

about today's message, please write to Bob@BobPerks.com

I will use only first names and no email addresses.

RE: "Love a little more"

I have no idea how old this column is...I receive it second, third, ...hand.

However, your words remind me of a discussion I heard on the various levels of

stewardship and giving to our church. There are seven identified levels; one is giving

because someone might be watching and it is expected; level three is giving enough

to be considered a member of the club; five is giving a bit more than is comfortable

but not going all the way ( tithing ); and seven is the ultimate gift, one that brings joy

to the giver. It is explained as the same gift you would give a grandchild, with no

expectation of a return, just the joy of giving. That is where the gift of love comes from.

Really enjoy your work....I share it frequently.

Pete H.

Bob,

my friend I never met, (but hope to one day) you nailed this story.
I sat here tonight, reached out, touched Ginny's arm, and told her I loved
her.

It's not unusual for me to do this. I do it all the time. Ginny and I are
very loving.
I looked at her as I touched her arm, "Ginny, I love you so much. Today at
work,
I had a quiet time. My thoughts turned to you. You are the love I never
dreamed possible.
The love I dreamed about came true. Thank you."

The other day, Ginny wasn't feeling well. I came home from work - more than
12 hours
of work, which included close to 4 hours of commuting...Jersey traffic. She
looked at me,
"Mike, I don't feel well. Do you mind cooking tonight?"

"No problem."

I love her, Bob. Even if my day was hell, I want and need to take care of
the one I
love. She was sent to me by God. There is no other explanation.

Ginny and I have our days. "Ginny, I love you." I'll say.

"I love you more." she replies. "It's my day."

We have days of the week, when we are allowed to love the other more.
Long story there, but it is our "Love" game.

Thanks, Bob. Ginny and I can relate to what you wrote.
Mike Smith

(Mike Smith is one of my writer friends. He writes the way he loves...

with all of his heart. You can sign up for his stories here:)

http://archives.zinester.com/86758/

Hi Bob and Marianne!

I hope you are both doing well!! I just had to say, that you

are absolutely right about how in today's society, everybody

expects something in return. I frequently hear people say that about

Christmas Cards (for example) and it boggles my mind. Send a card

because you care, and want the person to feel the personal touch!

Emails are too simple, text messages and IM's are too simple. Take

the time to let people know you care, and that you love them. Thank

you for writing such a lovely story and gentle reminder. You both are

very obviously wonderful, caring people. Take care.

Love,

Selena

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"I wish you enough!"
Bob

Bob Perks is a professional speaker, author and vocalist.
Member National Speakers Association.
Visit http://www.BobPerks.com

Visit Bob's story site: http://www.IWishYouEnough.com
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"I wish you enough!"
written by Bob Perks (c) 2001

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."