Isn’t it strange when something presents itself, front and centre, and you realize it is just what you needed at the time. It was that way for me this morning. The evening before I had been in a conversation which had left me very unsettled. It wasn’t the topic that was troublesome but the way in which it was presented. I sat and listened for what seemed like such a long time and then I realized it was time to quietly walk away. But, it played on my mind the whole night. I’m sure that sort of thing must have happened to you at one time or another. Hasn’t it?
In our home, there is an old wall hanging that seems to have followed us everywhere. For more than fifty-four years. it has always held its spot on a wall somewhere. It is so much a part of the place that nobody even sees it or stops to read it anymore. But this morning it caught my eye and I was ever so glad as it was food for the soul.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and 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 the dull and ignorant. They, too, have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons. They are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others you may become vain and 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 ideals 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 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 labours 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 careful. Strive to be happy.
There is something to be said about the wisdom of the ages. I will leave the hanging where it is for who knows when it will be the very thing that is needed.
(Desiderata was an old writing found in Saint Paul’s Church in Baltimore, USA. It was dated 1692.)
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