There is a time in all of our lives when we have to choose between right and wrong. At this bridge, we sometimes find friends or acquaintances choosing a less productive path...possibly the wrong path.

In extending respect, most will give respect in return. But it is you who must understand to initiate this respect and not expect someone else to respect you. It is as if you have a message to show and tell the world. It is as if you are walking with a lighted candle extending the message of respect to all of Mankind. And even with any torrential winds of life, the candle remains lit as a symbol that respect for Mankind should never end.

Choosing the 'lighted candle path' can be extremely difficult with two or more people present in any given situation. When you have more than one person present, a wrong path decision can be a majority, which would make anything you say or do offensive and shallow.

Under these circumstances you can continue with the 'majority vote' path until a time when you can communicate to each party on an individual basis. Express to each person individually, why the wrong path will just make thing worse for everyone. Explain to each person why you wish to choose the path of respect rather than disdain. You must believe that each person that you extend respect to will listen to you.

Each person will admire you to some degree for your concern. Some individuals will not express this admiration to you verbally.

For some of us, after experiencing many of lives more intense challenges, we finally figure out to do our very best in everything we attempt in life. For you this might be as simple as doing a near-perfect job washing your parents' vehicle, maybe achieving straight A's in school, or maybe showing others at work that you actually enjoy the challenge of doing a good job.

When we finally do deeply resolve to do our best in each and every situation, many 'doors of life' swing open with a force. As if there is some supernatural force involved with all of our lives. It comes in many different forms. Maybe you finally attain a promotion at work. Maybe you finally meet the love of your life. It is as if the force has granted you a wish you have dreamed about for a long time...because you have been curious and respectful to others...because you have assisted in anyway you can in any situation to make the best possible actions enfold. Actually, the force will be the actions of other people wanting you to have what you desire because you have been respectful.

On the contrary, if you continue to elicit bad will and disrespect, there will be no magical doors of life opening. In fact, get prepared for the worst happening to you in life. The force of evil will make you pay for your weaker actions.

Everything is not as easy as 'wanting to be respectful.' Everything is not as simple as 'wanting to be good.' You have to continually be attentive to the needs of others to make their lives better. It is through your common sense; perseverance, commitment and dedication that will, in the end, show others that you do care for each and every one of them. This is not about how well you did in school where you are graded on three basic skills: reading, writing and arithmetic. It doesn't matter what grades you were given or how intelligent they said you were.

You will find people all over the world carrying this same lighted candle no matter what religion, what language they speak, what music they sing, or dress they wear. You will see it in their eyes. You will see it with the mentally challenged.

There is nothing more in life. Without the path of the lighted candle, your life will feel less full and rewarding. With the path of the lighted candle, you will become one with the Universe and the beauty of life will enfold before your eyes.