Encouragement

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The old man sat alone in a dark and cheerless room, his head bowed, and weeping bitterly. He was desperately unhappy and felt that life had been cruel to him, and try as hard as he might he could see no way forward and no end to the troubles that beset him. Suddenly he raised his tearstained face and shook his fist at the sky.

“Why me?” he cried out, “Why do I have to suffer so much? Why has my life become so wretched, so meaningless, for I am alone and unhappy and have the love of no-one?”

He threw his hands to his face, and his frail body shook with his sobbing. Was this life, so empty and meaningless, so devoid of friendship really worth living, he thought?

Then at that instant a stillness came over the room, a moment of quietness and peace such as he had never known before. Then he heard a soft voice speak to him.

“You were not alone, “the voice said gently, “for I was there with you all the time and every step of the way. But you could not see me because you had your eyes closed to all that was around you. You could not hear my footsteps because you were not listening. And you could not touch me because you did not reach out far enough.

“Open your eyes now and you will see things that will truly fill you with delight. Behold the beauty of Nature, the grace of a running deer, the sea crashing over the rocks, the majestic eagle soaring above, and the awesome power of the mountains. Listen and you will hear the laughter of a child, the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, and the words of kindness from a neighbour. Reach out and touch the hand of a loved one, hold a delicate flower in your hands, and let the soft soil of the earth run through your fingers.

“Do these things, and you will come to understand what a privilege and joy it is to be alive. Welcome each sunrise as the dawning of another wonderful day filled with happiness. And should you act with kindness and compassion upon your journey, and speak words of comfort and cheer to others then your days will be blessed indeed with light and contentment. When you reach out and embrace these things that I have shown you then you will know that I am forever by your side.”

At that, the man bowed his head, put his hands together and silently gave thanks. Then he stood up and with a smile on his face walked back out into the daylight to let the welcoming warmth and comfort of the sun enfold him.

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