Well, I'm officially another year older, and, apparently, it is customary to reflect on the past year to see if you feel older or wiser. My answer to the question is...no. I don't feel older, and I doubt that I am significantly wiser. The past year has taught me a few things, but I find my reflections are more on or about birthdays and their niceties...
Have you noticed that so many of the sweet, simple sayings have decreased, or lost their significance over the years? Cynicism and cruelty have overpowered them. There are just two phrases that have really withstood the forces of ugliness, "thank you" and "happy birthday." How can such common words hold such significance? How could they remain relatively untainted? These are the things that I find myself contemplating, but I think that I have some idea about their fortitude. You see, one of my birthday gifts (which I absolutely love) is a book about symbols. In the preface, the author quotes Peter Marshall who wrote, "Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned." I couldn't help being impressed by just how truly that statement applies to these simple phrases. They are small words, but the meaning behind them is all goodness. "Thank you" can only exemplify that one great virtue, gratitude. There is no other reason for its use, and gratitude must be one of humanity's saving graces. The other phrase, "happy birthday," elicits two motives. They are joy and selflessness. How readily and easily do we really offer true congratulations to others? Too often people force their smiles and words of praise. However, birthdays are always happily greeted. They become an opportunity to be sincerely happy for another person. Hence, Dr. Marshall was correct in his estimation of small things. They are powerful, especially in building up our personal characters.
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