Daily Devotion - Monday, October 12

Reflections on Wisdom
Moments with Leo Buscaglia, Part 1

Leo Buscaglia, an internationally known author and speaker, died a little over a decade ago. While he was a highly educated person (he earned three degrees from the University of Southern California) he was most widely known for his emphasis on helping people reconnect with their disconnected emotional self. Some years ago, he had five books on the New York Times best seller list simultaneously. I was privileged to have a professor who studied with Dr. Buscaglia and who introduced me to his work. One of his books, The Fall of Freddie the Leaf, is an annual resource book for the bereavement groups here at the hospital. This week I am sharing quotes from Buscaglia for your reflection and meditation.

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

I would only add this my friends: take the risk of acting in the way Buscaglia suggests. Have a wonderful beginning to your week.

--Ben Keckler
10.12.09