BobtheCkroach
07-10-2006, 05:26 PM
This isn't my style, and you probably won't see it again for ages ( :P ), but if I might get serious for a moment. My pastor's message yesterday was about making the most of your life. While I'm not gonna get religeous/preachy, I'm sure that concept is one that almost all people will share, regardless of any type of personal choices. He used the following poem in an illustration, and it's just plain powerful. I thought I'd share for all to enjoy. I don't care for much poetry, and what I do care for is usually childish (my fav. poem is "My Mother Made A Meatloaf" by Jack Prelutsky). Anyways, without further ado, here it is.
"The Dash" by Linda Ellis
I read of a reverend who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between the years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
the cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard -
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left.
You could be at "Dash mid-range".
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.
So, when you're eulogy's being read
with your life's action to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?
Powerful words, there.
"The Dash" by Linda Ellis
I read of a reverend who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between the years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her
know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
the cars...the house...the cash.
What matters is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard -
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left.
You could be at "Dash mid-range".
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile...
remembering that this special dash
might only last a little while.
So, when you're eulogy's being read
with your life's action to rehash...
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?
Powerful words, there.