God Winks

To those who have known me for any amount of time, my love for candy is no secret. Some may disagree that there is much to be learned from candy. I, however, can say with confidence that much of what I know about life is a direct result of my unwavering, unfailing love for ALL things candy. 

When I was a little girl, I had a great uncle named Norman. He played a very significant role in my rearing. Unfortunately, I did not truly realize the significance until later. Uncle Norman was known in Quincy as "the candy man". He always had a piece of candy in his pocket ready for the taking. And we children counted on him having it. Smart man!!! He knew just what to do to ensure “favorite uncle” status.  And I was PROUD that he was my uncle!!!

As long as I live, I will never think of Uncle Norman without thinking of candy. Not because he ate candy all of the time... or because of his LOVE for candy, but because of his love for me. Enough love to always have something in his pocket to make him "approachable". Something to make sure I was drawn to him. And it worked.  I waited daily for his arrival at home, after a full day’s work, for our trip to the “Icee store” and my little brown bag to fill with sweet delights. Subtly, during our afternoons together, we talked, and he advised.

The older I get, the more I realize how much truth there is in the theory that all things in life have a purpose. Certainly, I believe all people have a purpose, and all experiences have purpose. I don't think we necessarily always know the purpose until either the moment has passed, or until something else happens to make us look back and be thankful.

I am learning in my thirties the real impact that people like my Uncle Norman had on me. I learned from him many things. But, I think the greatest lesson I learned was that children are like sponges. They soak up every piece of knowledge they can, from anyone that will pay them attention. So, my extended lesson is that I, as an individual, had better make every opportunity to influence children count. I feel I am called to be in the lives of children, and I am here to make a difference. That is the bottom line. 

The people that we surround ourselves with, from the first day we meet them, begin to make a difference and have an influence on us.  From the MINUTE they step foot into our lives we are changed.  By the same token, each of us has a choice in how we want to influence others.

I am thankful  to have been given this awesome opportunity to have a candy shop. There is no better platform for me!! Not only am I surrounded by all things "candy"... but all day long, I get to talk to children. I get to see their little eyes light up the second they step foot into Sugar. I get to hear their squeals as they walk past each candy jar or bin and discover a new item they have never seen before. I get to help their mothers reward good behavior and potty training. There is no better feeling than to see that excitement on a child's face. The look of pure happiness! It always takes me back to the “Icee store” and Uncle Norman’s influence. It is AWESOME!!! 

The truth is that life is a journey. And we have a responsibility to pay close attention to those moments when we are being charged with a chance to make a difference. As we have heard before ... We have all been given a platform. And it is up to us to use it.

To recognize those small as well as big moments when God winks at us and says, “This is your opportunity, so use it.” That is when we know we are right where we are supposed to be. Whether it is a piece of candy in your pocket, or a shop full of all things candy... when God winks, and we listen.  God makes the journey of life so meaningful and so much FUN!!!