Wednesday came as Mike anticipated Mrs. Clark’s feedback on the assignment from the previous week. He walked into sociology with the slightest hint of confidence mixed with uncertainty. Suspense vibrated throughout his body as the bell to signal the start of class rang, and Mrs. Clark rose from her desk.

“I was impressed by the thought that everyone put into last week’s assignment,” she began, passing out the thick stack of papers one by one. “The Coffee House Digest contest asked for extra submissions and loved the entry that was chosen.” She looked around the room with a slight grin, her eyes beaming. “I won’t say who it was though, because I love surprises and I have written the contest results on someone’s paper.”

Mike was hopeful. Mrs. Clark reached his desk and laid the paper face down. He turned over his assignment and there it was: “Fantastic job! I have never had a student write with such powerful emotion before. I had to send Coffee House Digest your beautiful words.”

The rest of class went on as normal as Mike sat through class; his whole body tingled with excitement. When class was over, Mrs. Clark handed out copies of CHD with the winner’s entry on the first page.

Mike felt his heartbeat quicken when he saw his entry. His words faced him from the front page in dark, fine print. He had the sense of overflowing pride. As the lunch bell rang, he found Trace, Leon, and Nick at their usual table outside.

“Guys, we did it!” Mike said happily, clutching the paper.

“You won?” Nick replied.

“Yup. I wanted you guys to read it. It came out great!” The boys all crowded around as Mike approached, holding the paper so they could all read the finished essay.

Overflowing Heart

By: Mike Salser

I’ve learned that life can be viewed in more ways than one. People exist in differing situations and backgrounds; it is astonishing to see how and why people see things the way that they do. In this sociology assignment, I explored the question of: Do you view life as a glass that is half full, half empty, or other, while also asking them to explain their reasons for such a viewpoint. I shared my thoughts today immersed with the responses I received from a few new friends of mine. 

The “glass half empty” thought process turned out to be multidimensional. Half empty could mean that life on the surface exudes perfection, but there is a stark reality of how life can throw unforeseen curveballs. Situations may not turn out the way you thought they would. Worries could cloud your lens and perception of your surroundings. Appearances can be deceiving, and reality shows that though we may come from differing backgrounds, we are all the same. The other side of the “glass half empty” sword paints a picture of someone who is missing a huge piece of who they are. People who are angry with life may find themselves relating to this category. You never know what someone may be going through. 

The “glass half full”  view is one that I found to be the most heart wrenching. Someone who sees life this way is such a sad sight. They are comfortable, yet they wish they had more in life. The half full observation is also the most beautiful because it comes from the biggest hearts. They worry about everyone around them. They want more for everyone else. They are selfless. They are passionate. They are a loving friend to anyone. 

A common thought that I saw in virtually all three of the responses taken was this: what more is there? 

I have always had an overflowing heart. I don’t choose to see anything as being “half empty” or “half full” because through my circumstances I have always been taken care of by the Lord. Sure, life is hard, but relying on Him makes you see things through a clearer lens. The world is truly “half full” and “half empty.” There are people who are beautiful souls and others who only wish to do harm, either out of a mean or greedy nature. If there is anything I could say to the readers of my words, it would just be to encourage. Life may seem half empty or half full, but don’t allow circumstances or those things that hurt your soul to bring you down. It is one of the essential parts of life to trust in Jesus to give you an overflowing heart in place of being half empty or half full. Peace is a priceless jewel. Those are my thoughts and I hope they are a help to someone out there. 

Mike tucked the paper away in a folder and smiled. He was happy to have shared his overflowing heart with so many, and all four of the boys somehow knew that a lifelong friendship would develop, through the willingness of an overflowing heart.

Epilogue

That week changed all of our lives forever. I don’t think any of us expected to become lifelong pals, but I could not ask for a greater set of friends. We have been through just about everything with each other. I don’t know what my days would be like without them now. An overflowing heart needs to be shared; it can impact countless souls if one is ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to someone who needs it.