Other People

Truth: I have done nothing on my own.

Confession: When I was younger (middle age has now arrived) I thought there were all sorts of things I did on my own.

Truth: Any accomplishments I have achieved have been because God gave me life and provided me with other people to help me along the way.

A good example is my college education. It took me several years to get through college. I'd like to say it is because I had to work my what through college and leave it at that. While it is true that I worked while in school to pay for it, I also corked off a bit, which delayed my graduation day. Nevertheless, my point is that I used to take pride in the notion that I worked my way through college. It was, however, just a notion.

Other people helped me a great deal, beginning with my hard-working parents. They provided me with a roof over my head, a warm bed in which to sleep and food  in my belly. While they could not afford to put eight children through college, they left the door open as long as we were attending school. For most of my college days, I would not have been able to afford living on my own. In addition, my parents always encouraged me to attend college. Encouragement goes a long way in a child's heart and mind. Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Mom.

Then, there were my employers. I had many of them in my college days, working in restaurants and various other establishments. My employers provided me with income, allowed me to work around my class schedule and, in some cases, gave me perks that I did nothing to deserve. Thanks, Boss.

Toward the end of my college days, I met the man I was to marry. He worked hard and provided me with a home while I worked (a little) and finished school. Then, he paid off the student loans I did take out during the few quarters I attended full-time. He never complained, he just paid. Thanks, Jeff.

There are, I am sure, countless others who helped me along the way. They may have helped with an encouraging word, a little cash, a place to stay or a job, but they are all a big part of the reason I have a college degree.

I could go down my list of accomplishments, and, I guarantee you, there would not be one thing I did on my own. I only hope that I am as much a help to others in my lifetime. Thanks, other people.

ENCOURAGEMENT: Consider the people who have helped you accomplish things in your life. Thank them.