This year has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride. Marred by social injustices, political warfare, environmental catastrophes, personal trials, and death.
Many of us have been tested in more ways than one since the year began. And it seems as though time is moving by too fast to really grasp onto anything that has the potential to uplift our spirits. But I think it is crucial to pause, retract from the world, reflect on our precious lives, and be fortunate to see the sun shine again.
Therfore for this post, I urge you to leave what you’re doing for just a minute or two, and read the poem below. It is one of my favourites as it really puts life into perspective. I hope you find it as awe-inspiring and moving as I did.
“I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them 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 that can still be rearranged.
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 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?”
Poem by Linda Ellis
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