A seven-year-old boy approached an old man in front of a wishing well, looked up into his eyes, and asked: "I understand you're a very wise man. I'd like to know the secret of life."
The old man looked down at the youngster and replied: "I've thought a lot in my lifetime, and the secret can be summed up in four words:
1) The first is "Think." Think about the values you wish to live your life by.
2) The second is "Believe." Believe in yourself based on the thinking you've done about the values you're going to live your life by.
3) The third is "Dream."Dream about the things that can be, based on your belief in yourself and the values you're going to live by.
4) The last is "Dare." Dare to make your dreams become reality, based on your belief in yourself and your values.


Can you guess the man who said this? I think it is pretty good, with the addition of, "Trust in God" as the fifth key point and "Serve Others" as the sixth. Not long ago I posted some research about the importance of serving in keeping us alive, well and energized. Serving allows us to grow and heal and the more we grow and heal the more we can serve others.

This, of course, comes directly from God who gave us the ability to do all six of these important things. God created us in His image and for His purposes. This includes the ability to think, believe in ourselves, dream and dare to take risks.

I am currently reading a good book on the importance of ideas to nations and people. It is "The God that did not Fail" by Robert Royal. I suggest that you read it soon.

The man who replied to the little boy with four ideas was Walter E. Disney, a fellow who was gifted with great ideas, energy and creativity.