365 Project - Day 244

"In all human affairs there are efforts, and there are results, and the strength of the effort is the measure of the result. Chance is not. Gifts, powers, material, intellectual, spiritual possessions are the fruits of effort; they are the thoughts completed, objects accomplished, visions realized." James Allen

After spending the afternoon strolling about the outer edge of the NYU Campus, stopping for lunch in a burger joint that unfortunately will accept my son's dining dollars and visiting the campus bookstore, we went up to Central Park to spend the evening at the Delacorte Theatre. We were blessed with tickets to Shakespeare in the Park, gifted to us by a friend. While the event is free, getting tickets is difficult. We were also treated to a backstage tour. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to visit our friend and be in the park on a perfect evening.

It has been too long since we have taken time to explore Central Park. The park is such a beautiful gem, full of nature in the midst of a hard, concrete city. I was excited by the combination of the late afternoon light peeking through the trees, birds fluttering about and butterflies dancing on our shoulders. And this particular piece of the park is dense - tighter paths with lots of trees and flowers. This is a place where it seems creativity, imagination and enthusiasm can be ignited.

Here's one of the things I read recently about enthusiasm, from W. Clement Stone: "I think you would be interested in knowing what the etymology - the derivation of this word, which is so widely used, really is. It comes from two Greek words and they let you look into the root of this word -- into its basic, fundamental, original meaning. The first is 'Theos,' which means God. The other two words are 'En-Tae.' So that in the early usage of this term among ancient Greeks, it literally meant 'God within you' ... the Divine being who is the author and the source of all goodness and beauty and truth, honesty and love. God is in the heart of the individual who is possessed by a vision ... who burns with ardor ... who is determined to make a dream come true. God is there. God is kindling the fire. It is being kindled by God himself."

I just love that. Imagine that our dreams, regardless of how farfetched they may be, are fueled by God. Now that would stoke you, wouldn't it!

Blessings.

Today's Photo: Imagine

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." Proverbs 16:3







EXIF: Nikon D7100
ISO 200
50mm
f2.8
1/90s