Windows close and doors open. That is how I am viewing saying good-bye to my writing a column for Castanet. It was seven years ago that I began and now it is time to say good-bye and thanks to Castanet for inviting me to bring my words of enlightenment to their readership. And a very special thanks to my readers – most of you I do not know, yet am aware that there are hundreds of you; thanks to those who contacted me with questions, comments, and often an encouraging word.

While the column “Rhyme & Reason with Dr. Sam” officially comes to an end on May 31, 2011, I will continue to share my rhyming poems and wisdom hopefully until I die – and I am planning on bringing out a book with the same title of a compilation of many of the articles. It has often been a pain and a pleasure to write the weekly article; a pain because I like doing things that are easy and a pleasure because I like a challenge (but not so much the one of keeping the article to 500 words…); a pain because it took me away from Pat, needed relaxation, sleep, and other highly prioritized things, a pleasure because I trusted that someone would appreciate what I was contributing and benefit from it.

So, if you are seeking further guidance, wisdom, encouragement, and suggestions on how to enjoy life more, you know where to find me. Like the Internet better, then check out this website: www.selfgrowth.com – it promotes itself as The Online Self Improvement Community and provides some 269,360 resources. Like a book better, then read and absorb “The Message”, a translation of the Bible that tries to recapture the Word in the words we use today. Like someone who knows it all better, then talk to God – every day.

There is a time for everything under the sun.

So let’s make the most of it and have some fun!

God tells us clearly what we shall reap what we sow

That should motivate us to do the right that we know.

When one window closes, be sure a door will open wide.

When Jesus is our Lord, in peace with Him we will abide.

Some things are for a season and all things are for a reason.

Have difficulty with any of this? Then reach out to someone you believe can help, maybe a trusted friend or a competent counsellor. Some pretty awesome things, even miracles, have been experienced throughout history because individuals have chosen to be accept what they cannot change, to change what they can, and to use the wisdom given by grace to know the difference. As a result, they and others enjoy themselves and life more, the world is a better place, and heaven is the richer. The Creator has given each of us everything we need to consistently be able to move on to better things when a window or door closes. Believing is a beginning and key to living a life of freedom and confidence, peace and enjoyment – check it out and experience these truths for yourself.