I received the following from a friend on September 8. It has been truly amazing to know that so many of you are like the sixth horseman this past week. Diana, San Diego, CA > Henry Drummond said, "The moments when you have really lived > are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love." > > > This apocryphal story comes from Zig Ziglar's book, See You At > The Top (Pelican Publishing Co.,1982) about an old man who > stood on a Virginia riverbank many years ago. He was waiting to > cross the river and, since it was bitterly cold and there were no > bridges, he would have to "catch a ride" to the other side. After > a lengthy wait he spotted a group of horsemen approaching. He let > the first one pass, then the second, third, fourth and fifth. One > rider remained. As he drew abreast, the old man looked him in the > eye and said, "Sir, would you give me a ride across the river?" > > The rider immediately replied, "Certainly." Once across the > river, the old man slid to the ground. "Sir," the rider said > before leaving. "I could not help but notice that you permitted > all the other men to pass without asking for a ride. Then, when I > drew abreast, you immediately asked me to carry you across. I am > curious as to why you didn't ask them and you did ask me." > > The old man quietly responded, "I looked into their eyes and > could see no love and knew in my own heart it would be useless to > ask for a ride. But when I looked into your eyes, I saw > compassion, love and the willingness to help. I knew you would be > glad to give me a ride across the river." > > The rider was touched. "I'm grateful for what you are saying," he > said. "I appreciate it very much." With that, Thomas Jefferson* > turned and rode off to the White House. > > Ziglar reminds us that our eyes are the windows of our souls. > Then he asks a pointed question: "If you had been the last rider, > would the old man have asked you for a ride?" > > A good question! For it is said that others will know us by our > love. Some will see it in the things we do and some in the things > we say. And a few perceptive souls, like the old man, may catch a > glimmer of a loving and generous spirit in the expression of kind > eyes. > > However it shows, may you be known by your love. > > > From TOUCHING MOMENTS by Steve Goodier > * perhaps