I had a look this morning and I have written over 2,300 daily posts.  To me is it any wonder I am wondering what to write about today.
Originally I thought I could go through the dictionary one word at a time.  That would keep me in topics for years.  I decided instead to go through a book I have.  It is called “Speeches that changed the world.”  Goodness knows where I got it, but I do know why I would have kept it.  I do like things well written and lives that inspire, so I am very interested in what is said and who said it.
The first speech I am looking at was by St Francis of Assisi called “Sermon to the Birds.” It is from around 1220.  I knew absolutely nothing about him except he had an affinity with animals and called them brothers and sisters.  It was his influence I believe that inspired the blessing of animals at services.  Due in part to his influence the fourth of October became World Animal Day.  Apparently San Francisco shares his name.
His “Sermon to the Birds” to me is not outstanding in itself but what it expresses is to me needful.  It highlights many of the benefits many birds enjoy like flight, food, appropriate covering, air and shelter.
What seems to be being said is to not take benefits for granted.  Each thing is something to be grateful for.
Personally I can see why this is considered a bit of a classic.  For me it is not a matter of my rights, but my gifts.  I feel all I have has resulted from what I have been given in the first place.  I have no desire to take credit for, or hold on to, something as though it is mine.
I love the words of a song that say “this skin and bone is a rental.”  In many ways that expresses my outlook.
I know I have been given stuff.  I will enjoy it while I can.

I did something I had not done in ages yesterday.  I went up to the table tennis club I had been involved with.
Merril had things she wanted to get done so I got a lift with a mate.  We used to play table tennis together regularly but he has moved.  He used to be just around the corner.  One thing I notice though is everyone has improved, and I am getting left further and further behind. 
But that is beside the point really.  I was up there to see who was still at the club and catch up with people I knew.  There were a number of them.  Though we are getting longer in the tooth, and statistically the older one gets the more that matters.  Some are no longer with us.
I was good to fill in if needed, but there was a full compliment and I was not needed.  I did end up having a hit with a couple of people and it was obvious to me that old habits die hard.  I still went for too much and missed the table in very familiar ways.
I had a chat with someone who has been with the club around 15 years now.  I reckon that person is a real bonus for the club as they get in and do things and are friendly.  Another guy I know so got out of jail in the two matches I saw him play.  He was well and truly behind but managed to win.  Bit like the Matilda’s really.  Another guy just soldiers on.  He hardly moves and has gammy knees, but it does not seem to matter.  He wins a lot at a high level.
Another guy I caught up with gave me a lift home.  I was wishing Merril had heard to car as it sounded very much like a muscle machine.  He was a friend to someone who is no longer with us.  He plays the sort of table tennis where I know he would never die wondering.  He goes for it and gets stuff now he did not before.
Anyway I was glad to be there and it was great to catch up with different ones.  

Valiant
I asked Merril “what should I write about in my post?”  She said valiant.
The first thought I had was an old Valiant we had seen driving around that day.  It was probably late 60’s early 70’s.  Common once.  Rare now.  But that was not the valiant she meant.
Merril was talking about the valiant the dictionary defines as “possessing or acting with bravery or boldness.”
To me there are definitely people that act that way either in their profession or due to circumstances they find themselves in.  There are many instances I hear about.  Often those involved are given a medal or acknowledged as having done something extraordinary and selfless.  I think of the guy near Mackay who’s mate had diabetes and did not feel anything in his legs.  His mate saw a snake around a leg and removed it.  In the process he was bitten and died.  To me that was selfless.
Valiant to me most often shows itself in doing something extraordinary for others.  Though not always.  Sometimes a valiant act is doing something I am afraid to do.  It is for my own personal development.  Something I do by choice though everything within me may be discouraging me from it - not for my betterment or safety, but due to fear.
On the other hand, there are valiant acts like the one described above that involve another or a number of others.  Acts where personal safety can take a back seat and rescuing someone else who cannot help themselves.
I also think getting out of bed and facing another day can be a valiant act.  Life and people can be against me and just making it though the day is a valiant act.  Chances are tomorrow will involve valiant acts also.
I have mentioned that I bought a record once just because I liked the title “local hero.”  To me many valiant acts are performed by everyday people.  Their acts do not make the headlines, but they do make the headlines of their lives.  Overcoming the odds, facing fears.  All valiant acts that make a difference in a person's life and sometimes in the lives of others also.