Reece Gardner: Setting a good example for others

Let's talk today about setting a good example for others.  Over the years I have had the opportunity to hear multitudes of presentations, and many of them highlighted that truth.  For example, in a class in Roanoke Rapids several years ago, Joe Evans began his remarks by saying, "If I live to be a hundred years or more, I know I will never meet anyone with the courage of my 10-year-old son." Joe then related how his son had suffered from an incurable disease and how, during his last days on this earth, the pain he bore was almost unbearable. 

The medication he was taking to ease the pain was having little or no effect at all.  "And yet," said Joe, "My little boy never complained. Instead, he asked his mother and me to try not to cry because that would further upset his little 6-year-old sister, who was already grieving over the agony of losing her big brother."  Then, with tears filling his eyes, Joe told about the night his son died.  He said it was 3 o'clock in the morning and he and his wife were seated on a couch in their son's room when they heard him call out, "Mommy, Daddy."  Joe said they immediately rushed to his bedside as he held out his frail hands and said, just before he died, "Mommy and Daddy, thank you for loving me, and try not to cry. We'll be together again soon." 

As I listened to that presentation, I thought about the obvious wonderful example of life those parents had instilled in their son to have him display such courage and compassion in his final days and hours on earth.  And on example-setting, I want to share again the note a young man wrote to his mother, recalling his childhood days.  He wrote, "When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator door, and I wanted to paint another.  When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I knew it was good to be kind to animals.  When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favorite cake just for me and I learned that little things can be special things.  When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you say a prayer, and I knew there was a God I could always talk to.  When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me good night, and I knew that I was loved, and I wanted to be the best I could be.  When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked, and I wanted to say 'Thank you' for all the wonderful things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."  It is so important for us to remember that it is the example that teaches, and that  we should be the best we can be, even when we think no one is looking. 

Now to close on a humorous note:  A man driving a huge Semi pulled up to a cafe.  He went inside and placed his order.  Three bikers then came in and proceeded to take his food and go to their table.  The man very quietly got up, paid for the food, and walked out.  One of the bikers said to the waitress, "He's not much of a man, is he?"  To which the waitress, looking out the window, replied, "No, and he isn't much of a driver either.  He just ran his Semi over three bikes in the parking lot."

HAVE A WONDROUS DAY1