Idols

Things that went right today:

1) Watched "Under the Tuscan Sun" and got so excited for my trip to Italy!
2) Chocolate fudge bundt cake
3) New blinds being installed in the upstairs bathrooms


American Idol returns tonight. I am openly willing to admit that I am a huge fan. I rarely watch TV generally, but during American Idol season I will be glued to the set every Wednesday and Thursday night to watch the hopefuls shine and falter, and to laugh and cry with the rest of the faithful followers (Oh come on...you know you watch it too!) I've wondered in the past what America's fascination has been with this show. In part it is the shock value of Simon Cowell's biting commentary. Will be quite a different feeling this year without him. Part of it is the music and the superstars that come on as guest hosts and performers. But mostly I think it is the thrill of watching otherwise regular folks just like you and me have a forum to showcase their talents. To rise above their ordinary circumstances and become wildly famous. Not for being outrageous. Or for making a lot of money. Or for marrying up. But for being good at what they do. Really good. And for working hard and having tremendous courage to reach beyond their comfort zones, to accept criticism and to grow. They represent us all as we reach for our dreams don't they? Their successes inspire us to take a chance in our own lives. I can't wait to watch this season unfold with my family!

The question naturally comes to mind...who are MY idols? Who do I look to in my life for inspiration, guidance, and examples to follow. Of course there are the obvious...Martin Luthor King, Mother Teresa, Neil Armstrong, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Jesus of Nazereth...people who magnified their time on this Earth and through determination and courage made concrete differences in the lives of others. Often paying heavy prices to offer their gifts to the rest of us. Then there are those who bless us with their talents...both God given and developed through blood, sweat and tears...Mozart to Joe Montana. Gershwin and Michael Jordan to Sinatra and Michelangelo. We benefit from their hours and years of practiced skill. Public servants like firefighters and police that keep us safe need to be mentioned. Of course we can't forget the men and women serving in the military that help us sleep easier at night. And there are the idols of business too...Buffet, Gates, Trump and the like...who show us how to use both brains and guts to achieve greatness in financial things, and benefit society with products that enrich our lives, generous philanthropic grants, and jobs for so many who need them. I could never begin to acknowledge the many individuals who have made a true difference in the world and who deserve admiration and praise. But today I want to say a word about the unassuming heros that rarely are spoken of as idols. The volunteers on the sidelines at the Special olympics,  the mothers kissing boo boos better,  the missionaries digging wells in Africa. Blood and organ donors. The candy striper holding the hand of an elderly patient who is lonely. Classroom volunteers. Scout leaders and youth soccer coaches. Normal every day people who give of themselves and offer time and kindness to others when no is watching. Not for gain or notoriety. Just to reach out and touch the life of someone else in need, because their loving heart was big enough to share.  I am thankful this day for the generosity and quiet acts of service and kindness I witness every day in my community. These angels have blessed me personally and inspire me to give more of myself as well. They are my idols!!! Now on with the show!