Working Together

Inspired Thought...
This past weekend I visited the International Peace Garden in northern North Dakota for the first time. Although the flowers were not in full bloom, I was very impressed, especially after a visit to the garden's peace chapel. Inside the peace chapel, various inspirational quotes from scripture and famous historical figures are engraved in its stone walls. I read every single one, and found that they all carried the same message: a message of hope, of caring and love, and of peace. They helped me to realize the importance of depending upon others, and that working together is often times more successful than working alone. As I get older, I find myself becoming more and more independent. Yet I know that I wouldn't be where I am today if I hadn't depended upon and received guidance from my family, friends, and teachers. Try thinking of yourself as a puzzle piece. A lone puzzle piece is useless without making connections with other pieces. Today I'm challenging you to not only rely upon those you know and love, but to look beyond the walls of judgement and discrimination and make connections with the "not so popular" puzzle pieces, allowing them to rely on YOU. Who knows? You might just find your missing piece!

Inspired Action...
Create a puzzle. Cut up construction paper or poster board into various shapes and sizes, then glue individual pictures of family, friends, co-workers, etc. to each piece. On the back of each puzzle piece, write one way in which the person pictured on the front has positively influenced you. Finally, put your puzzle together and say a prayer of thanks for all the special people God has brought into your life.

Inspired Living...
Pick one person that you are well acquainted with and write them a note or give them a phone call to thank them for their relationship and positive influence. (As tempting as it is, do NOT send an e-mail or a text... a handwritten note or personal phone call bears a lot more meaning.) Then, choose an organization within your community that is often neglected due to discrimination and judgement. Volunteer there for a day, purchase X dollars worth of the organization's needed items, or simply visit with and talk to those who are involved with these organizations. Your act of kindness will mean more to them than you know.