"Mountain tops inspire leaders but valleys mature them." F. Philip Everson
Each of us has been left a lot by preceding generations. Dr. Thomas Gibbs, Jr., says, “Every man has leaned upon the past. Every liberty we enjoy has been bought at incredible cost. There is not a privilege nor an opportunity that is not the product of other men's labors. We drink every day from wells we have not dug; we warm ourselves by fires we have not kindled; we live by liberties we have not won; we are protected by institutions we have not set up. No man lives unto himself alone. All the past is invested in him. A new day is a good time to say, 'I am under obligation to accept my share of the world's grief, my share of its opportunities.”
Life is a lot like tennis - he who serves best seldom loses. Responsibility demands that we pay our own way and leave something behind for those who will follow. Leaving a heritage of having lived an ethical, moral and productive life is something all of us can do. Teaching a functional illiterate how to read would enrich that person's life and enable him or her to make a bigger and better contribution to society. Giving a word of encouragement and setting an example of gentle kindness and thoughtful consideration for others are much-needed in our society today and would leave your impact on future generations. Unfortunately, too many of us labor under the illusion that unless we can do something monumental, there is nothing we can do. That's too bad, because doing something for others brings greater happiness to oneself, so take advantage of the opportunity to make a contribution and I will see a "happy" you AT THE TOP!
Zig Ziglar is known as America’s Motivator. He authored 33 books and produced numerous life-changing programs. He will be remembered as a man who lived out his faith daily.