It’s Still a Beautiful World
Submitted by May Dreams Gardens Blog
Days like today, with clear blue skies and warm temperatures, make us forget that winter is closer than spring.
We get in an awful big hurry late in the fall, trying to clean everything up and stow it away before the snow flies.
But we shouldn’t get in too big of a hurry. There’s still time. Or at least I hope there is still time, as I’m taking some time to just sit and relax even though I’m not done with fall clean up!
You can see, though, that I have cleaned off most of the front porch. It looks a little bare, and the two containers of still blooming flowers don’t match. But that’s alright with me. I’m not big into “matchy-matchy” flowers.
Later on, I’m going to head over to the blog Sweet Home and Garden Chicago to find out who has posted for the November Garden Bloggers’ Muse Day and read some poetry tonight.
Won’t you join me, starting with this classic?
– written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s –
A poet and lawyer from Terre Haute, Indiana
Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or 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 as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly 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 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 in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
