Karla’s Korner: Be the Inspiration

Be the Inspiration…..

“I am thankful for Karla who shared a personal story and gave me a resource that changed my life for the better.” “I am thankful for Karla Robey and her generosity of spirit.” These two quotes were part of a writing assignment of sorts during church recently. The pastor had spoken about the importance of handwriting letters to show your appreciation to others or just to stay in touch. Taking time to put pen to paper lets the recipient know that you care enough to stop long enough to share written thoughts instead of sending a quick text or email. In reading random notes of thankfulness in our weekly church email I found myself a bit caught off guard. My mind filled with thoughts and questions. Who would write these words? Who has been inspired by me and something I have said or done? Who could it be? What did I say to them? Having no way to find out (as they were written anonymously) I began to read the words and concentrate on what those words really meant; how did they affect me or others?

The longer I thought about those special words written I found myself coming to the conclusion that it really did not matter who wrote those words. Knowing who shared their thankfulness is not important or necessary. What is important is that they shared and that somehow I managed to make a difference in their lives. It is not really about who said it; it matters that they said it. What matters is that they have been touched, inspired and moved to share.

Taking time in the middle of my day filled with grocery shopping, lesson plans and attacking the mountain of smelly camp laundry I retreated with my thoughts to the quiet of my bedroom trying to figure out what it is that is most important about life and the way we choose to live it; our legacy. As time ticks on and I prepare to turn the page on another chapter in the book of my life in the near future certain things seem to have become more important than others. Cherishing the beautiful words written by an anonymous church member I know that the most important thing we can do with our lives is live well, love much and be the example of how we should live.

When we become parents we strive to teach our children to be polite, kind and generous. We encourage our children to share their toys, offer a helping hand, use their manners and appreciate what they have. Somehow quite often as adults we fail to do the very things we insist our children do. Somehow during the course of our growing up years, or perhaps when we become adults and are no longer under the supervision of our parents, we wind up being quick tempered, ill mannered, judgmental and less than helpful. Quite possibly we adults allow the demands of adulthood, parenthood and the workload it all requires to get the best of us and we just shut down. The goal, however, should be to figure out how to handle all of it and be the best we can be; after all we only have one chance to get this life thing right.

Understanding that no one is perfect and that we all fall from grace from time to time we need to work toward becoming the kind of person that people want to be around and appreciate for our kindness and generosity toward humankind. Not everyone can be a humanitarian in a faraway village administering medicine to orphans but we can all live a life of service toward others. Sharing the gifts and talents we each possess is really an easy task. Setting aside differences of religious, economic status and social beliefs will allow us to become better people; a better society. While I am not suggesting that we give in or get rid of our beliefs I am suggesting that we focus on the core belief that every person is of worth and deserves to be treated accordingly. We never know when our actions will affect someone profoundly. I have absolutely no idea what experience I shared with a fellow church member that has given them hope and the ability to move through a difficult life experience; apparently what I shared made a difference in their life. The idea that it takes a village to raise a child I believe can be a blanket statement for all of humankind. We need work toward living a life of positive example. Encourage others to do their best, share their talents and time and search within themselves for their own purpose of life. Knowing that by living our lives as an example to others is important even if we may never know the impact we have made. For me, it doesn’t matter who said those beautiful words; it only reminds me that it is often the smallest gestures that make a difference. Allowing myself to open up and share life experiences not only helps others but helps me heal, grow and learn as well. Live a life of purpose and meaning; it’s what we are supposed to do.

Peace,
Karla

I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Check out all of Karla’s Korner articles for more thought for the week here. Also, please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

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