Shining Star

One of my favorite movies is "Stardust". The heroine is a star come to earth. She saves the day when she hugs her hero and does what a star does: "Shine". I've been thinking quite a lot lately of how much joy I feel when I see others shine, as well as the thrill I get when I shine myself. My son Jensen was star for the week. He was so happy. I think we should be stars for a lifetime!
Have you noticed how often the world can dampen our light, or make us feel uncomfortable doing our best and enjoying the best of others. It's not pride; it's uplifting! One great thing about this is that we can shine even when we aren't very good at something, but we still revel in it. Sharing in our joys is one of the best ways to make friends as well ~ honestly loving what makes another person shine. I've made many dear friends by sharing the same passion for an activity or delighting in the same thing.

As an example: When flying home from Florida, I met an incredible man named John. I told him I loved gardening. He smiled and said he did too...then shared that he enjoyed it so much he became a horticulturist. Instant connection! He is the head Gardener for Martha Stewart of all things! We continued talking and I revealed that another passion of mine is gourmet cooking. And what do you know...he used to be a chef! He owned his own business and was a chef at the Ritz in Paris! Amazing! It was one of the most delightful flights I have ever had. I may never see John again, but our shared loves has made him a true friend that I will never forget.

Even when we don't enjoy the same things, I find such joy in watching a person truly shine in what they love. I may not relate to the activity, but I can totally relate to the experience of feeling real happiness doing something I love.
Stars aren't just in the sky or in Hollywood. They are in all of us. And one of the best ways to live a life is to put effort into all we do and shine at it; and then support others as they do the same. Here's to a bright 2011!