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D E S I D E R A T
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( Things to be desired)
-- Max
Ehrmann
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Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as
possible, without surrender, be on good terms
with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and
clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull
and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are
vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare
yourself with others, you may become vain or
bitter, for always there will be greater and
lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your
achievements as well as your plans. Keep
interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes
of time.
Exercise caution
in your business affairs, for the world is full
of trickery. But let this not blind you to what
virtue there is; many persons strive for high
deals,
and everywhere
life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection. Neither be
cynical about love, for in the face of all
aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial
as the grass.
Take kindly the
counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering
the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not
distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears
are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a
wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the
trees and the stars; you have a right to be
here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no
doubt the universe is unfolding as it
should.
Therefore be at
peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the
noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your
soul.
With all its
sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a
beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be
happy.
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The Trouble Tree
-- Author
Unknown
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I hired
a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse,
and after he had just finished a rough first
day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an
hour of work, his electric drill quit and his
ancient one-ton truck refused to start.
While I drove
him home, he sat in stony silence.
On arriving, he invited me in to meet his
family. As we walked toward the front door, he
paused briefly at a small tree, touching the
tips of the branches with both hands.
When opening the door he underwent an amazing
transformation. His tanned face was wreathed
in smiles and he hugged his two small children
and gave his wife a kiss.
Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed
the tree and my curiosity got the better of
me.
I asked him
about what I had seen him do earlier.
"Oh, that's my
trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't
help having troubles on the job; but one
thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong
in the house with my wife and the
children."
"So I just
hang them up on the tree every night when I
come home and ask God to take care of them.
Then in the morning I pick them up
again."
"Funny thing
is," he smiled, "when I come out in the
morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as
many as I remember hanging up the night
before."
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Hello God
-- Author
Unknown
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Hello God, I
called tonight
To talk a
little while
I need a friend
who'll listen
To my anxiety
and trial.
You see, I
can't quite make it
Through a day
just on my own...
I need your
love to guide me,
So I'll never
feel alone.
I want to ask
you please to keep,
My family safe
and sound.
Come and fill
their lives with confidence
For whatever
fate they're bound.
Give me faith,
dear God, to face
Each hour
throughout the day,
And not to
worry over things
I can't change
in any way.
I thank you
God, for being home
And listening
to my call,
For giving me
such good advice
When I stumble
and fall.
Your number,
God, is the only one
That answers
every time.
I never get a
busy signal,
Never had to
pay a dime.
So thank you,
God, for listening
To my troubles
and my sorrow.
Good night,
God, I love You, too,
And I'll call
again tomorrow!
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Woman Silhouette image Copyright © Pixabay
Dividers from Cottonwood
Designs (dead link 12/30/2009)
Nightly Forests and
Autumn Whisperlings images Copyright © Linda
Bergkvist
Elegy image
Copyright © Jesse
Jentzen
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