Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you. When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves. A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition. The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires. Wise are they who have learned these truths: Trouble is temporary. Time is tonic. Tribulation is a test tube. If you can imagine it, you can achieve it; if you can dream it, you can become it. Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning. To make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace; to be able to laugh at yourself is maturity. It is wise to direct your anger towards problems -- not people; to focus your energies on answers -- not excuses. Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting. |