The grandson asked him, "Which wolf will win the fight in your heart?"
The grandfather answered, "The
one I feed."
LIFE
If
I had my life to live over again, I'd try to make more
mistakes next time. I would relax. I would limber up. I
would be sillier than I have been this trip. I know of very
few things I would take seriously. I would be crazier. I
would be less hygienic. I would take more chances. I would
take more trips. I would climb more mountains, swim more
rivers and watch more sunsets. I would burn more gasoline.
I would eat more ice creams and fewer beans. I would have
more actual problems and fewer imaginary ones.
You see, I am one of those people who live prophylactically
and sensibly and sanely. Hour after hour. Day after day.
Oh, I have had my moments and if I had it to do over again,
I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd have nothing else. Just
moments, one right after another, instead of living so many
years ahead of each day. I have been one of those people
who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot water
bottle, a gargle, a raincoat and a parachute. If I had to
do it over again, I would go places and do things and
travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to liver over, I would start barefoot
earlier in the Spring and stay that way later in the Fall.
I would play hookey more often, I wouldn't make good grades
except by accident. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I'd
pick more daisies. If you hold your nose to the grindstone
rough and hold it there long enough you'll soon forget
there are such things as brooks that babble and birds that
sing. These things will your world compose: just you, a
stone and your darned old nose.
Nadine Stair (85
years old)
Our deepest fear is that we are
inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves - Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of the Universe.
Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people will not feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of the spirit that
is within us.
It is not just some of us; it is everyone.
As we light our light shine, we unconsciously give people
permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence
automatically liberates others.
Nelson Mandela. Inaugural speech 1994
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and
remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as
possible, without surrender, but on good terms with all
persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen
to others, even to the dull and 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 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 is there; many
persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full
of heroism. Be your self. Especially do not feign
affection. Neither be cyncial 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
surrending 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
borken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Found in St. Paul's Church Baltimore.dated 1692
They came after the Jews
And I was not a Jew
So I did not object
Then they came after the
Catholics.
And I was not a Catholic.
So I did not object.
Then
they came after the Trade Unionists.
And I was not a Trade Unionist.
So I did not object.
Then they came after me.
And there was no one left to
object.
Martin Niemoeller. Protestant Pastor
DEATH IS NOTHING AT
ALL
Death is nothing at all.... I have only slipped into the
next room.... I am I, and you are you...whatever were were
to each other - that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy
way which you always used. Put no difference into your
tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as
we always laughed at little jokes we enjoyed together. Let
my name be the household word it ever was. Let it be spoken
without effort, without the ghost of a shadow on it. Play,
smile, think of me, pray for me. Life means all that it
ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was, there is absolutely unbroken
continuity. What is death but a negligible accident? Why
should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but
waiting for an interval, somewhere near just around the
corner........... All is well.
Canon Henry Scott Holland 1847-1918