Wouldn’t it be marvelous if we all had a
yellow highlighter snuggled in our back pocket that could be used to emphasize what
is important in our lives? Everyone
would have the ability to take out his or her highlighter and mark significant
moments in time. A highlighter in hand
might help us along our journey to capture the moments we tend to overlook.
Our family vacation began long before the
car was packed and we arrived at our “little beach house” on the Jersey
Shore. It took weeks of planning and
attending to the many details that involve a Reilly Summer Adventure. Everyone’s favorite foods & snacks were
purchased. The trip to the liquor store
had us buying fancy bottles of wine, rum, vodka and my favorite whiskey (Jack
Daniels) by the cases! No vacation to
the beach would be complete without some games.
I honestly think the older my kid’s get – the more alcoholic beverages and
ironically toys are needed for the weeklong getaway. My suitcase was filled with bathing suits
awaiting that perfect accessory - sand between my toes. The final item to be packed was a newly
purchased yellow highlighter.
Days before our departure I borrowed a book
from my youngest daughter, Aileen. Her college coach had recommended each player
on her softball team read this book before returning to school. “Oh Mom, I know you will love it! It’s right
up your alley”. I knew by the very
title, The Carpenter, that it was
something that would interest me. It was
a story about the greatest success principles of all. I dove in and began reading this wonderful
motivational book! After only a few
pages I began to notice the sentences Aileen had chosen to boldly highlight in
yellow. I became aware of how perfectly Aileen had captured the quintessential
ideas of each chapter. She had an uncanny skill when using her yellow highlighter to take
note of what was at the heart of the matter.
I needed to take this trick with me as I
began our week vacation. Somehow I would
remove and put aside the difficulties surrounding my every step with MS, which
are often highlighted. Next, move past the
feelings of being a burden that often cloud my vision. And finally, let go of
the fear and uncertainty which can leave me behind and unable to participate.
Armed with this highlighter I see God’s
love blessing me in countless ways! Beauty is bolded in my eyes, as I am on the
lookout for the goodness He places along my path. The joy of a good laugh, the indescribable
colors at sunset, the ocean breeze against my bronzed skin, and the magic of
starry nights all experienced in the arms of those I love. I am not discouraged by the hard realities
associated with my illness, for these are a part of life. Instead, I move head on into the week wielding
a mighty weapon. The goodness found in each moment brought into focus - all with
the power of a yellow
highlighter.
“When you see the good, look for the good, and expect the
good.
You find the good and the good finds you.”
The Carpenter by Jon Gordon
The Carpenter by Jon Gordon
