(Photo via Pinterest)
In my grandparent's dining room
hung an old copy of the Desiderata.
hung an old copy of the Desiderata.
Every year during Thanksgiving,
my grandfather would read it out loud to us.
And at the end, he always took his glasses off
and wiped his eyes.
Today I'd like to share it with you.
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 the 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 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 dark 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."~ Max Ehrmann, 1927.
No less than the trees and the stars!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Child of the Universe!
You are perfection
and
I am so grateful for you.
Now go eat pie!
It's Thanksgiving Day, and our family eats an early dinner instead of lunch. Just now there is a lull between the hectic preparations and all the guests arriving for the meal. I wanted to take some of that time to visit my blogging friends. I needed to say thank you. Thank you for the inspiration you provide here in your place and for the comments you leave behind when you visit mine. Happy Thanksgiving, friend.
ReplyDeleteHow blessed you are to have had a grandfather that appreciated poetry and other forms of literature; no wonder dearest Kirsten, you are a lover of the word, a writer of your aspirations, and a kind soul! What a great tradition to remember!
ReplyDeleteOh dearest, thank you so much for coming over to visit! We had a lovely evening with one friend at our home, and we enjoyed the preparation AND THE MEAL! I am rather full still this morning!
ENJOY YOUR PART IN THE UNIVERSE! Bisous, Anita
Just getting around to reading blogs. I haven't read that since the seventies and how timely today. Can't believe it was written in 1927. What a beautiful memory you have. Hope your holiday was a memorable one too.
ReplyDeleteSubstantially, the story is really the best on this laudable topic. I concur with your conclusions and will eagerly watch forward to your future updates.Just saying thanx will not just be enough, for the wonderful lucidity in your writing.
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