Making A Fresh Start
On Nov. 2, 2010, the United States had an election. It was historical. Many are wondering if our country really can make a fresh start and solve our mounting problems. I believe we can. It won’t be easy, but can be done.
But this isn’t about our country, it is about you and me. Each day we awake with a new day. We make it what it is by how we think…if we awake with doom and gloom, it will be a gloomy day. On the other hand, if we wake with joy and gratitude, it will be a great day. We make our own weather.
How we live today matters. It is called the Buttery-fly Effect. There is a great little book by Andy Andrews by that title. It’s a great read.
Some examples of lives well lived:
Thomas Edison. In December of 1914, his laboratory burned to the ground. Did he quit? No, he said, “I’m 67 years old but I’m not too old to make a fresh start.”
Dr. Forrest C. Shaklee, founder of the fabulously successful Shaklee Corporation was severely burned on his arm and hip by x-rays. His doctor recommended amputation of his arm but said nothing could be done for the hip. Dr. Shaklee replied, “that in that case he would die whole.”
He did not die but used his knowledge of nutrition and healed himself. In 1956 at an age most people are retiring and along with his two sons, he founded Shaklee Corporation, now the # 1 Natural Nutrition Company in the U.S.
In 1983, Cliff Young at the age of 61, a farmer and rancher entered the Sydney-to-Melbourne race in Australia which is about 543.6 miles long. He joined runners half his age and world-class athletes.
The athletes were outfitted with specialized shoes and gear. Cliff was wearing overalls and work boots. You can imagine the looks he got and the skepticism of on-lookers. The media quickly took notice and started asking questions.
No one believed he could finish the race and he might even die trying. He hadn’t trained for it and he ran with a funny slight shuffle.
But he did run the race, never stopping to rest. He kept plugging along and won!
You can read his story at HERE.
Each of these examples had a butter-fly effect. We got amazing things from Thomas Edison which made our lives better. Thousands have benefited from better nutrition because of Dr. Shaklee. And Cliff Young set a new course record and became a national hero. Many runners now use the “Young-shuffle” and are winning races.
We too can win the race of life. We can endure with vision, faith, virtue, courage and prayer and each day make a fresh start.
