"I read of a man who stood up to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth
He noted that first came her date of birth
and spoke the following date with tears.
But said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
But said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she had spent alive on the 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 most is how we live and love
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 most is how we live and love
and how we spend our dash.
So think about it long and hard . . .
So think about it long and hard . . .
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what is true and real,
And try to understand the way other people feel.
Be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved them before.
Treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,
Remembering this special dash might only last a while.
So when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash,
Would you be proud of the things they say,
For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what is true and real,
And try to understand the way other people feel.
Be less quick to anger and show appreciation more,
And love the people in our lives like we've never loved them before.
Treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,
Remembering this special dash might only last a while.
So when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash,
Would you be proud of the things they say,
about how you spent your dash?"
3 comments:
Thank you
Well, David, this post kinda freaks us out - or at least it would if weren't convinced already that Jesus continues to speak. I have been talking about Psalm 90:12 and the importance of learning to number our days, and then Lori has been reading a book called "A Walk on the Beach" by Joan Anderson in which this very notion of paying attention to the "dash" of one's life.
All I can say is "WOW!!"
Lord, teach us to number our days...or in terms of this poem, Lord, teach us to pay attention to our dash...
I also celebrate the Jesus continues to speak and I pray that we will use all of our days to let him speak through our words, actions, and attitudes. There is no better way to count (number) our days than "one for Jesus, two for Jesus, three for Jesus..." I know I falter in the counting but am forever grateful for God's grace that reminds me where I stopped counting and helps me to start again.
It's been comments such as yours that help me to continue counting and to gain a wise heart.
"So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart." Psalm 90:12 (NRSV)
Post a Comment