Reece Gardner: Everyday is a gift

Folks, don't forget that Early Voting is now underway and will continue through Saturday, Oct. 30, and then on Tuesday, Nov. 2. BE SURE TO VOTE!!

Today I want to talk about TIME, which is a very interesting thing. We can't stop it, slow it down, turn it off, or even adjust it, and we certainly can't bring it back. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is uncertain. We may look ahead to a full year's block of time, but we really have no guarantee that we will experience any of it. So today is a time for celebration as well as for reflection. As we look back over the past days and weeks, we might do well to:

(1) Remember each experience for the good that came from it;
(2) Remember the efforts we have made and the goals we have reached;
(3) Remember the love we have shared and the happiness we have had, and,
(4) Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work and, yes, the tears.

But for now, let's just think about this NEW DAY as a "Morning Wish," a time for us to hope for the best this world might bring to us, such as, in the words of author W.R. Hunt, "We should do nothing that will make the world of others poorer and nothing at the expense of others. Let's be thankful for family and friends who love us, an understanding heart, a sight of the eternal hills and the unbolting sea, things so beautiful that God has made, along with a sense of humor and the power to laugh."

This new day, Folks, is a great gift to us. We have the opportunity once more to reach out and right some wrongs. We need to put our hearts and souls into today, not just in tomorrow's opportunities, but into the opportunities right in front of us; Not just in tomorrow's tasks, but TODAY. We've all heard the expression, "One of these days." which often becomes "None of these days." Let's make this day SPECIAL!

Now join me in this Prayer of St. Francis: " Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy; For it is giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are BORN to eternal life. AMEN!

Now, for a little humor: A bear, a moose, a fox and a snail were playing cards around a table. Suddenly the bear roared, "Guys, I'm hungry. Could someone go get us something to eat?" The moose shook his head and nodded toward the fox, who irritatingly slammed his little paw on the table and muttered, "Why me? Why can't the wolf do it?" But the snail bravely interrupted the conversation before it got out of hand and said, "Guys, there's no need to fight, I'll go." The bear smiled and handed the snail a few dollars, and said, "Thanks, I appreciate it. And while you're at it, buy something to drink, will you?" The snail winked, grabbed the money, and started to make his way out the door. Half an hour went by. Then an hour. Then an hour and a half. At last the bear snapped, dropped his cards to the floor, and yelled, "You know what? I think that little rascal took the money, and just left." A small yet fierce scream came from near the door; ""IF you're going to start insulting me, I'm not leaving at all!" HAVE A GREAT DAY!