“Use what talents you possess: The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”
This quote has been attributed to Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933). He was an author, educator and clergyman. Can you imagine a world where indeed only the birds with the best voices sang. We all have varying gifts and talents. While a peacock is a beautiful magnificent bird, it’s voice is horrible. You never heard such a racket. It can almost be frightening but yet the peacock is the National Bird of India. It has a place and makes a difference.
What talents do you possess? If you are like me, you can’t carry a tune. Or as Grandma would say – you can’t carry a tune in a water bucket. Evidently that meant people who had little or no singing or musical ability. Don’t let that stop you from trying. Regardless, we all have a voice.
It is the one thing that really sets our country apart from any other. We have the freedom to voice our opinions. According to legend and history, the Pilgrims came to America in search of religious freedom. They did. In fact they went to Holland first. When their children began speaking Dutch and had adopted the Dutch way of life, they knew it was time to set sail for yet another place. They came to the New World not only in search of religious freedom but that they might also voice what was on their minds and in their hearts. In England they couldn’t do that without the government making it hard for them. They were sorely limited in what they could say and do. While we often take our privileges for granted, wars have been fought to protect our freedoms. Give thankfulness a voice this Veteran’s Day.
What talents do you possess? Maybe you can breathe life into a song or make a piano talk or cause a garden to grow in a desert. Maybe you can take a crust of bread and some odd ingredients and make a dish fit for a king. Whatever it is, you can make our world a better place – just by being you and caring. You don’t have to be the best singer to sing but it sure makes a difference when you give it your best.
God speaks to the hearts of men today. His voice can be heard at the midnight hour, in a still small voice or in a mighty rushing wind. What do we need to do? Stop. Look. Listen. It’s only then that we can truly voice what’s in our hearts. If we are too busy clamoring about the way things are to listen to someone else’s viewpoint then you might just miss out on the really important things in life.
What am I trying to say? Have a voice, use it, care but don’t get so caught up with your own ideas that no one else’s matters. Whatever you do give it your best. This Thanksgiving give gratitude a voice.
Simply Sandy is written by Sandy Jarrell and appears the first Wednesday of each month.
Sandy Jarrell
Simply Sandy – find your voice
- Sandy Jarrell
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Simply Sandy – January 2012
By the time you read this the ball will have already dropped in Time Square and the curtain will have closed on what was 2011.
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Simply Sandy – December 2011
While it has been a long time since I was an angel clad in white, I still remember memorizing and proudly proclaiming the news of the Savior’s birth. There is still good news to tell.
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Simply Sandy – November 2011
We've tightened our belts, rolled up our sleeves and still have a mind to work and make things better for ourselves and our country. There are even those among us who dare to dream, against all odds have started businesses, are working and have put other people to work.
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Simply Sandy – October 2011
Count with me: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12. It's fundamental, pretty basic math. Let me ask you this question: When is a dozen not a dozen?
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Simply Sandy: September 2011
Danny Burgess of East Randolph Cabinet Shop is in the business of making things of value that are meant to stand the test of time.
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Simply Sandy: August 2011
Oh to see better! With more than one million people in the U.S. termed as legally blind, being able to see better is a major issue.
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Simply Sandy: July 2011
There is something to be said for “the first” in our lives, each bringing back a memory all its own. First step, first tooth, first day of school, first date, first kiss, and the list could go on and on. Life is full of firsts.
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Simply Sandy: June 2011
I’ve taken many a trip and not left Coleridge. So it was with the reading of “Deep River … the Little League Years” by Jones Lamar Howell.
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Simply Sandy: May 2011
This week I was hacked or, I should say, my e-mail account was.
- Simply Sandy: April 2011
- More Sandy Jarrell Headlines
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Simply Sandy – January 2012
Company Fined Over Fatal Stage Collapse
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
GOP Vows to Reverse Obama Birth Control Policy
13,000 Is Next Dow Milestone, Record in Sight
Santorum Wins Boost Fundraising, Stifle Romney
U.S. Seeks Political Path to Change in Syria
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
