272-September 29

“There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world.”—Robert Louis Stevenson

My friend, Sarah Edwards, co-author of “The Practical Dreamer’s Handbook” with her husband, Paul, sent me this lovely story:

“I was rushing to meet Paul at the hardware store. As I charged along, I was oblivious to the sunny day and the crisp breeze around me. I was pretty oblivious to everything actually, except getting where I was going…until I heard the voice. A man was singing. The sound was so strong and deep and clear, I had to know, who was that?

I stopped walking. My eyes were darting from place to place. I had to find the source. There! Sitting on a crate along the sidewalk was a very old man.

“I found Paul and told him to meet me outside where I’d be listening to the street performer. And there I stood for the next fifteen minutes. But I could have stayed all day. His voice was gravelly and deep like rough sandpaper; then rich and smooth like molasses, and finally, for moments, rising so clear and pure as to seemingly be soaring on the wings of eagles. He sang song after song from some long forgotten past, coming from someplace within himself.

“Clusters of people were walking by. Teenage girls, laughing and giggling among themselves. Couples fully engaged in one another. Families straggling and herding each other like a gaggle of geese. Old folk out for a Sunday walk. Almost without exception, as they approached, they, too, would stop, if only a moment, to search for the source of a voice that was singing to their soul…

Continued on page 272 of The Wealthy Spirit (due to publisher’s request not to have entire book available online)

Today’s Affirmation: “I listen and everywhere the voice of God moves me and inspires me.”