George Macdonald wrote that "If instead of a gem or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give." I can remember one of the first loving thoughts that was cast into my own heart and the angel who placed it there. I was a young boy and my parents, brothers, and I were spending the afternoon at the home of a family friend. This friend was the hymn leader at our church as well as the music teacher at my grade school. I remember I used to sit and listen to her play songs on her guitar for hours at a time. On this day my dad was outside once again working his mechanic magic on her ailing, old car. My mom was setting up a picnic for everyone and my brothers were in the yard playing. I was inside talking with our friend and listening to her sweet music. I don't remember exactly what we were talking about, but I do remember at one point her saying, "Joe, for someone so young you already understand a lot about life." That loving thought made a home in my heart that day. Before it I never cared much about understanding life, but just as a seed grows into a flower those kind words by that caring angel awakened a desire in me to understand as much as I could about life and living. It helped me start a journey that is still going on today. That gem of an idea that could really understand what life was all about and that I could live my life as it was meant to be lived shined in my soul and kept me searching, learning, and growing. That loving thought led me through pain, sorrow, and back home to God again. It led me to writing, sharing, and who I am today. It led me to knowledge that God is love, that life is joy, and that we are all here to love and help each other. I hope you cast the gift of a few loving thoughts yourself today then. Why let the angels have all the fun? © Joseph J. Mazzella Used with permission Please honor author's copyrights by seeking permission before using his writing in any way. To reach author, click on his name above.                Midi playing ~ "Awakened" Original composition © Rhesa Siregar   Photographer unknown to me...I'd be happy to give credit. © 2009 Created exclusively for LED  Brought to you by Living Each Day © 2003-present, Adelle North, All Rights Reserved