by Thomas Ray Crowel

As a little boy, I remember waking every morning without one bad thought. Peeking out the window of my bedroom, I was always anxious to see what it was like outside.

If it were a warm summer day, I would start thinking of things I would like to do. Would I go swimming with my friends? Or would I play make-believe by myself in the backyard? Whatever I thought, it was always exciting...from alley picking to exploring in the nearby park or woods.

I was just as happy in winter for I had many other fun things to do. It could be a snowball fight, building a snowman or a snow fort, or maybe going ice-skating with my friends. Sometimes just sticking out my tongue and trying to catch the falling snowflakes suited me just fine.

As children we see and hear all that is good...ants hard at work on the sand...birds singing their songs. We were all aware of our surroundings: the blowing trees, dancing rain, as well as the frightening thunder. We knew the sounds of the streets and parks. We could see, feel, and hear it all.

Take a moment and think about what you were doing as a kid. Remember your first friends? Can you remember some of the pleasant times you had in your early years? Will Rogers said: "Everyone has deep in their heart the old town or community where they first went barefooted, got their first licking, traded the first pocket knife, grew up, and finally went away thinking they were too big for that Burg. But that’s where your heart is."

Perhaps this is where the problem lies. Once grown, we have the tendency to think big, not small. Of course, there is nothing wrong with having dreams about success, but sometimes we have to think small in order to reach out and capture these dreams.

Never take the simple things in your life for granted--for example, a smile, a whistle, or a good laugh. These are the expressions that served you best and got you all grown up. At times it’s best to step back and take a good look.

All of your dreams will have the very best chance of becoming true if they are placed in their proper perspective--that is in order of their importance. First comes family and friends, then all the good that follows...the warm sun, blue sky, starry night, bright moon, and the green earth surrounded by its blue waters. Of course, don’t overlook the complex thoughts of what life is all about; the final promise, Iesus Hominum Salvator.

Once again, what was it you wanted to be? A dancer? Teacher? Bullfighter? Sailor? Actress? Artist? What was it? Have you forgotten? I say: "Success is born from dreams." Take a good look. You have the very best example to follow. Remember that it was all seen through the eyes of a small child. You.