by Steve Brunkhorst
http://www.AchieveEzine.com

If I had a rose for every time I thought of you,
I'd be picking roses for a lifetime.

~ Swedish Proverb

Mary had her own special kind of joy, and she knew exactly how to spread it around. She lifted children from loneliness into laughter, love, and belonging.

Each time she found a new home for a child, she gave the family one of her little homemade paper roses. It had become a tradition for her, and the families didn't ever forget it.

One evening, Mary was hosting a meeting for a group of new adoptive parents. Several families that she had served years earlier were also present. The new parents were able to gain support and learn from those who had been adoptive parents in the past.

One of the new fathers stood up to introduce himself. But before he spoke, he reached into his coat pocket and held up a faded, red paper rose. Then he explained.

"Twenty years ago today, I felt alone and worthless. I felt like I didn't deserve to have the things that others have. I was sure that my problems were my fault. I didn't know the talents inside me or what was possible for me. I realize now that I just didn't know all my options.

Then Mary brought two wonderful people into my life. They taught me what it was like to feel loved. They proved to me that I was special, and that God loved me for who I was. They not only loved me unconditionally. They opened a world of possibilities that I didn't know existed. My new parents told me, "Reach for your dreams!"

I did, and today I'm proud to be giving that chance to a child who started out just like me. My mother gave me this little rose. By now, all of you know where she got it so long ago.

This rose reminds me of the beautiful new lease on life that I was given. Mary sent me a new rose just yesterday. And my new rose symbolizes a new spring, a beautiful new beginning for my own little girl. It reminds me to show her what unconditional love is, and to teach her to reach for her own beautiful dreams.

Thank you, Mary, for the special little things like roses that tie our lives together. And thank you for all you've done for me and so many families over the years!"

One brief event can send our spirits soaring or leave us in quiet to ponder a new beginning. Yet it is also the very small things, like Mary's roses, that tie together the meaningful things.

One question, small yet powerful, can shift our minds into a tack sharp focus that can turn our lives around. We realize insights and solutions that previously evaded our grasp.

Are you looking for a special kind of significance, a special purpose that you can't quite reach? Take a look at your "roses", the little things that are all yours—things that make your heart sing. What are they? How can you share them with someone?

Everyone has a special joy that they can share in a unique way. There are new possibilities—new options.

Allow yourself to be with these questions. When the answers become clear, you'll find that your "roses" can make a difference. They can bring joy—even a new beginning—to you and many other people.

Share a "special rose" with someone today!

© Copyright 2004 by Steve Brunkhorst. All rights reserved.

About the Author: Steve is a professional life success coach, motivational author, and the editor of Achieve! 60-Second Nuggets of Inspiration, a popular ezine bringing great stories, motivational nuggets, and inspiring thoughts to help you achieve more in your career and personal life. Contact Steve by visiting http://achieveezine.com/contact.

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