I am pretty sure that shining is deeply rooted in hard, quality work, along with a healthy dose of persistence.  

But, I also think that faith and hope play a part. 

Shining requires faith, because faith is what allows us to believe our dreams are possible.  

People who shine must be able to fixate on a vision that is not broadly shared by others.  Faith allows us to picture our vision in such detail, that it seems within arms reach.  We see the faces of people registering to participate for our breast cancer walk.  We see our art work finished and on display in a museum, just like we pictured.  We see our idea for a product finally manufactured and on sale in our favorite store.  We see our books flying off shelves in Barnes and Noble, and we see students seated in the school we are committed to opening.

We see what most can't.

I see hundreds of yellow envelopes pouring out of a black metal mailbox and hitting the sidewalk in front of someone's house.  I see envelopes in different shades of yellow, and even some white envelopes with yellow markings and stickers.  I see bent envelope edges, canceled stamps, and stickers that read, "You Shine." and "Special DeliveRay"  I see the face of surprise as our recipient tries to catch her flood of envelopes.  And then I see lots of smiling and maybe even a small tear welling up in her eye, as she joyfully reads another thoughtful note from someone who cares.

It is faith in my vision that compels me to throw a penny in a fountain, wish on a star, blow out birthday candles, break a wish bone, and anxiously open my fortune cookie.

It is faith in my vision that allows me to notice a patch of the biggest dandelions I have ever seen and to run toward them, sure that each one I blow out represents one more yellow envelope in the mailbox of this week's Yellow Envelope Project recipient.

Faith is a solidly held belief that our vision - what we see that others can't - is possible.

How about you?  Scroll back up to the top of the screen.  Blow really hard and then visit us in the Community Forum labeled, Today's Post and tell us what your faith - coupled with hard, quality work, and persistence - will bring to you.

Shining off until tomorrow...

P.S.  I blew all four dandelions, so if you or your office mate haven't already sent your yellow envelope this week, it isn't too late.  Click here for her address.