desiderata – by max ehrmann

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 to 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 perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to 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 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.

Max Ehrmann c.1920…………………………………………and

ONE APRIL MORNING

Don’t know how to start the day
Drink my coffee or comb my hair
Turn on the radio or switch to TV
This April morning is not so easy.

So thanks if you asked a favor
Find my self a newstand therefore
But sorry,”What’s The News” had been sold out!
Worry not many choices can be had.

On my way saw the first choice of the day
Happy faces greet the morning with their play
But there’s a child as I turn to my right
My April morning she had turned to a night.

She wanted to join those happy faces
But she could not they should meet the day’s graces
One April morning could not be spared
To a busy child who has got no choices.

Sollee

The first one tells us to be AT PEACE WITH GOD…….I remember when Jesus said PEACE BE WITH YOU……..He said it after He was betrayed by his disciples……..HE IS ASKING US TO PLACE OUR PEACE WITH HIM……even if we don’t deserve Him as we are sinners……..BE HUMBLE…….LIKE JESUS…….

The second one tells us to be merciful to those who suffer……..to those who are weak………to the poor……..

Last night while I was watching Philippine Idol ( Pinoy version of American Idol ), a young contestant had painfully moved not only my heart but of the judges hearts as well.

Not only that I praise her beautiful voice, I also admire her proven self-worth and that great hope within her.

She reminded me of a good friend way back in high school named Sophia. Her handicap did not stop her in pursuing her goals and dreams in life….just like…Sophia.

Sophia could see, unlike her, but she walked with the aid of braces in both of her legs. She had difficulty going up and down the stairs when we were studying. I became her friend and was always by her side whenever we transfer from one building to another, and when she goes home for a ride.

While thinking of her, I thought of the good things she had done to show that she is just as youthful, strong, reliable, dependable like us.

Lastly, one of the many unforgettable moments I had with her was when she volunteered to sing to the whole class(to actually save us from a certain punishment in one of our classes),despite her nervousness and her fear of being mocked, she wholeheartedly sang a meaningful song to us..”You Needed Me” by Anne Murray. Until now, I still remember how she fought the odds and sang with all her heart. We felt so ashamed of what she did for us after that. We could have volunteered in her place but we were cowards.

Now, I miss her so much…I miss her love, generosity, courage, and most of all..that great hope in her I am trying to have until now.