Thursday, February 12, marks the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, one of this country’s greatest heroes. When I was a child growing up in Springfield, Ill., I learned three basic reasons Abe deserved this acclaim: 1) he was honest; 2) he listened to what others had to say; 3) he read. To commemorate this anniversary, perhaps we can all take these simple principles and adapt them into our busy lives. 1) Look at your life. Make it honest. Make it honorable. 2) Reach across the aisle yourself and talk to someone whose viewpoint differs from your own. Learn from what he/she has to say. 3) Find the time and the place to read a book…work some library time into your schedule…Abe never let anything like time, availability of books, or lighting impede his efforts to learn. Let’s celebrate Lincoln…put a picture of him in your window, read about him, make him a birthday cake. Please join me for this one week, and “Try thinkin’ like Lincoln.” Happy Birthday, Abe!

Diane Denk

Kennebunk