From childhood Albrecht Durer wanted to paint. Finally, he left home to study with a great artist. He met a friend who also had this same desire and the two became roommates. Both being poor, they found it difficult to make a living and study at the same time. Albrecht's friend offered to work while Albrecht studied. Then when the paintings began to sell, he would have his chance. After much persuasion, Albrecht agreed and worked faithfully while his friend toiled long hours to make a living.The day came when Albrecht sold a wood-carving and his friend went back to his paints, only to find that the hard work had stiffened and twisted his fingers and he could no longer paint with skill. When Albrecht learned what had happened to his friend, he was filled with great sorrow. One day returning home unexpectedly he heard the voice of his friend and saw the gnarled, toilworn hands folded in prayer before him.
"I can show the world my appreciation by painting his hands as I see them now, folded in prayer." It was this thought that inspired Albrecht Durer when he realized that he could never give back to his friend the skill which had left his hands.
Durer's gratitude was captured in his inspired painting that has become world famous. And, we are blessed by both the beauty of the painting and the beautiful story of gratitude and brotherhood.
A smile of encouragement at the right moment may act like sunlight on a closed-up flower--it may be the turning point for a struggling life.
Nothing is more stimulating than friends who speak the truth in love.
Love is the hardest lesson in Christianity; but for that reason it should be our most care to learn it.
There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.
A child's prayer: "Dear God, make all the bad people good, and make all the good people nice."
Love = to live for.
You never so touch the ocean of God's love as when you forgive & love your enemies.--Corrie Ten Boom
Love can wait to give; it is lust that can't wait to get.--Josh McDowell
Love does not say, 'Give me,' but 'Let me give you.'
Be the first to praise & first to deserve praise.
Encouragement is like premium gasoline. It helps to take the knock out of living.
