Ripples v1.06

Ripples, version 1.06 [2/22/99]: An electronic postcard from Stone Soup Seminars
Current Number of Subscribers: 542

A PEBBLE ###########################

What you love is a sign from your higher self of what you are to do.
Original Source: "Living with Joy" by Sanaya Roman
Submitted by: Amy Uecke, Lawrence University

REFLECTIONS ##########################

(This is a little longer than usual....BUT WORTH IT! -ptw)

KEEP YOUR FORK. There was a woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal
illness and had been given three months to live. As she was getting her
things in order, she contacted her pastor to discuss certain aspects of her
final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what
scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.
The woman also requested to be buried with a fork in my right hand. The
pastor did not know quite how to respond.

"That surprises you, doesn't it?" the woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I
am puzzled by your request," said the pastor.

"In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always
remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared,
someone would inevitably lean over and say, "Keep your fork." It was my
favorite part because I knew that something better was coming, like velvety
chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with
substance!

"So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my
hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' and I want you to
tell them, 'Keep your fork...the best is yet to come.'"

At the funeral, people were walking by the woman's casket and they saw the
fork placed in her right hand. Over and over the pastor heard the question
"What's with the fork?" During his message, the pastor told the people of
the conversation he had with the woman shortly before she died. The pastor
admitted that he could not stop thinking about the fork and suggested that
they should try to remember it as well.

So, the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you that the
best is yet to come....

Original Source: unknown (this version adapted by Paul Wesselmann)
Submitted by: Diana Rahn, U.S. Bankruptcy Court

SNIPPET ##################################

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? In two workshops different workshops this week on
networking and small talk, we spent some time reflecting on the power of
EYE CONTACT when initiating contact with people. It is a simple idea. And
a powerful one. Here's looking at YOU (and hopefully you looking at some
new faces this week!)


Copyright 1999 Stone Soup Seminars