Sometimes, it's the things that don't take much time — a kind word, an encouraging thought, a courageous act or even a battle in a war — that can affect the course of history.

In the spring of 1942, things were not going well in World War II for the Allies and America. Just four months after the Pearl Harbor attack, the world battlefronts — particularly in the Far East — had been disastrous. Japan had seized Manila in January, Singapore in February and the Dutch East Indies in March, and German U-boats were sinking an average of two ships a day in the Atlantic and in the Gulf. Morale was down. Some were saying the war would probably last 10 years, and Japan was boasting that it was invulnerable to attack.

Then came those 30 seconds over Tokyo that made a difference. Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle led the attack of 16 U.S. B-25s, and they struck not only Tokyo but four other cities as well. No one knew where those land-based planes had come from. President Roosevelt laughingly said they were from Shangri-La, but they had been launched from the deck of the U.S. aircraft carrier Hornet, 700 miles from the coast of Japan.

The net result was Tokyo reacted by pulling ships and planes closer to Japan while extending its defense perimeter. This decision soon led to the Battle of Midway — a U.S. triumph that marked the turning point of the Pacific war.

There is little doubt that this brilliantly planned, audacious attack shortened the war by many months and saved countless thousands of lives. Yes, even things that take as little as 30 seconds make big differences. Each one of us can identify a kind word, a friendly smile, a cheerful greeting, a thoughtful favor, etc., that lifted our spirits and increased our effectiveness.

Interestingly enough, when we spend our time doing those simple "little things" for other people, we create a win/win situation and both parties benefit. Message: Make a positive difference for others, and I'll see you at the top!

Go Fly a Kite

The next time someone tells you to "go fly a kite," you should respond according to the tone and attitude of the other person. If someone's telling you to mind your own business or go jump in the lake, then you handle it one way. However, if they're suggesting that flying a kite would be a fun family activity, that's a different matter.

There might even be a legitimate reason and need for kite-flying. Most of the time we think of kite-flying as a child's activity and, on occasion, an adult's one, too.

However, history tells us that kites played significant roles in world events. For example in the year 1300, the Japanese made kites strong enough to lift a man, and they used them to spy on the enemy during battles. When engineers built the first suspension bridge over Niagara, a kite drew the first cable across the gorge. Benjamin Franklin made use of the kite for scientific research that led to the discovery of lightening and the consequent use of that electricity. In 1898, the U.S. Weather Bureau established 16 kite stations. So we do have historical uses and benefits from flying kites.

In addition to all of this, kites have been used to carry messages and photograph landscapes, often in advertising. But, as a practical matter, in today's world, it's a fun family thing that's inexpensive, brings parent and child together and provides outdoor exercise. It also gives us the chance to meet new and interesting people. In general, it keeps us active and helps us avoid the dreaded "couch potato disease," which we frequently acquire in front of the TV.

Kite-flying is a relaxing experience, so the benefits can be substantial. My advice to you is, "Go fly a kite!" — and I'll see you at the top!

To find out more about Zig Ziglar and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. Subscribe to Zig Ziglar's free e-mail newsletter through info@zigziglar.com.

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