SCOTT
DEPOT, WV – (ANS)- Finding inspiration where you live

Do you ever find inspiration,
encouragement, guidance and even a little humor in unexpected places? Those are
the surprises of life. They may startle you or as some say, “It knocked me
for a loop.” It was a mental and emotional shock. It woke you up.

It did not take my breath away, but
I laughed at one little sign in Pastor Ralph’s study last week. It reminded me
of three beautiful little girls who used to say, “Nana, you laugh a
lot.” Every time Grandma heard that, she laughed even more. The referenced
plaque simply said, “Grandmas are antique little girls” — still having
fun and laughing with others.

Visit any place with observant eyes
and total consciousness of our immediate environment and we will become aware
of informative and inspirational messages. In any house or place of business,
education or worship, I notice printed messages that add significantly to my
experience and enjoyment.

Recently, in Scott Depot, WV, I
walked down a flight of stairs, 14 total steps, to be greeted by a small
carpet, designed in fall colors and earth tones, three colorful leaves on the
sides, with this beautifully scripted three-line message; “Live Well,
Laugh Often, Love Much.”

When I was a child in the Wevaco and
Decota areas of Cabin Creek, WV, I lived with my parents, sister and brother,
surrounded by grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. Excitement erupted when
a pack-peddler arrived.

The salesmen coming into those areas
carried their products in large suitcases, sometimes hanging over their back
with strong straps. They carried a variety of products. Some would have
glittering little placards, about 8×10, or 10×12 inches in size with
interesting and often religious messages such as, “God Bless Our
Home” and “Jesus Loves Little Children”.

Things you may notice and are
inspired by remain for many years. When I was ready to ascend the stairs, all
14 steps to the top, the little carpet was where I ended my descent. Let’s talk
about that impressive message.

1. “Live Well” and be well
while you live. This message has to do with personal health, relationships with
your family, neighbors, friends and with God. Jesus, when talking about the
union between God and His church said, “This is My commandment, that you
love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

Take care of your body, eat the
right foods, exercise daily, breathe deeply of clean fresh air. Take care of
your body and improve it in every way you can. It is a masterpiece so treat it
that way.

2. “Laugh Often.”
Endorphins are released by hardy laughter. My Webster’s Dictionary defines
endorphin this way, “Any of several peptides secreted in the brain that
have a pain-relieving effect like that of morphine.” I attribute that to
God who gave us a powerful built-in pharmacy.

Laughing a lot may dramatically
improve your health. The wisest of men, Solomon, said, “A merry heart does
good like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22).

3. “Love Much” with a few,
like your family and love many, at least a little. Love much would probably be
a first step toward ending hatred, animosity and impeding the angst prevalent
in our nation and world. The longer I live, my eagerness to forgive and accept
others continues to be accentuated.

Keep your eyes and ears open and you
will read and hear things that will make each day a little better. Kitty has
one sign over her desk that says, “If you are grouchy, irritable or just
plain mean, there will be a $10.00 charge for putting up with you.”

Every time I see that sign, I think
twice before I speak. I cannot afford to talk at that rate. What good messages
are seen where you live and work?

(No Ratings Yet)

 Loading …

About Bill Ellis

Bill Ellis is a syndicated columnist, and convention and conference speaker on every continent. He is the writer of more than 2,000 newspaper and magazine columns, articles and contributions to books.

He is also a widely known
motivational speaker and pulpit guest who utilizes enjoyment of life and just
plain fun and laughter while speaking to high school, university and
professional sports teams as well as to business and professional groups of all
kinds.

His keen understanding of human
problems makes him a favorite speaker for youth, parent, and senior adult
meetings. He is accompanied by Kitty, his wife, favorite singer, editor and
publisher.

• Mail

|

• Web

|

• More Posts (53)