I have been quiet lately. I have tried hard to be still; I am too eager to keep moving. The times in my life when I have written the most - essays, poems, songs, etc. - are the times when I feel the closest to God.
I have been wandering in spirit and soul. I have strayed far from the grip of grace, I need to return. Only there will I find contentment.
As I was painting today, the words of the Desiderata, an essay I read every day for several months when I was younger, came lofting into my head. I love the opening line. Everyday I am becoming more convinced that we can radically change the world. We only need to try.
I have been wandering in spirit and soul. I have strayed far from the grip of grace, I need to return. Only there will I find contentment.
As I was painting today, the words of the Desiderata, an essay I read every day for several months when I was younger, came lofting into my head. I love the opening line. Everyday I am becoming more convinced that we can radically change the world. We only need to try.
DESIDERATA
-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s
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.
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 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.
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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
3 comments:
Scott thanks for posting the whole essay. Read Ecclesiastes 5 in the Message yesterday, which sounds similar. Pray for us to be quiet, humble people who still see the beauty. Jennifer (Bundi)
Parabéns pelo seu excelente blog. Gostaria de lhe convidar para visitar meu blog e conhecer um pouco do Brasil. Abração
I found this message about "in and out of season" very helpful. It is a little harsh in its tone, but the point it tries to convey is a very solid one.
http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/my-utmost-for-his-highest/04/25/devotion.aspx?year=2009
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