Words of
Encouragement & Hope
submitted by Dick Catlin
Desiderata
In December of 1979, my aunt and uncle sent me a copy of a literary essay written in 1927, by Mr. Max Erhmann. Max was a poet, a
non-practicing attorney and a student of philosophy. He titled his essay, "Desiderata," which is a two-dollar word meaning "things to be desired."
In short, the stuff of which Christmas card sentiments and New Year's resolutions are made. This essay was filed in 1927 with the Copyright Office of the United States Library of Congress. His wife renewed the copyright following his death in 1945, and it is presumed to be protected by the copyright law to this day. It certainly has stood the test of time. Speaking of time, because this year's holiday season is just about here, Audrey and I send our best wishes to all of you for a very Merry Christmas and a "Happier" New Year.
Desiderata
"Go placidly among 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 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.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise 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 by cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kind 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 are born with fatigue and loneliness.
You are a child of loneliness, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here and whether or not is 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 are and 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."
God of us all, if your children maintain a solemn trust in you and if we all learn to live according to Thy Will, the world you planned for us will be forever beautiful and filled with love and peace.
Blessings,
Dick Catlin
