ANCIENT& not so ancient WISDOM
offering a weekly positive perspective

November 28, 2003

All you have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given you.

- a quote by Gandalf the Grey (The Fellowship of the Ring)

In the United States, it is Thanksgiving, a time to reflect on what the harvest has brought to us.

After being kicked out of the kitchen (I was nibbling more than helping) by my mother and father while visiting with them for the holiday with my sons, the boys and I decided to kill time, as we waited for other guests to arrive, by watching a DVD of the first segment in The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Frodo was lamenting over the ring being in his possession and the responsibility and danger it created for him and his companions. "I wish I had never been given the ring," said Frodo. To which, Gandalf responded with the quote above.

Stories have guided our hearts since time remembered. They spark us to greatness in the face of grave trials. What we have is what we have - nothing can change the circumstances of our lives to this point: Not our relationships, our businesses, our finances, our staff, our education, or anything else. The harvest is what it is - nothing more and nothing less.

What is solely important is what we do with the time from this moment on. May you find stories that give you the strength you need for the time that is given you.

Wishing you great and continued success!

Sincerely,