Greetings to you in this New Year!
As I reflect back on the year 2006, I find myself saying, ‘where did the time go?’ I think many of us tend to live our lives in the fast lane, trying to keep up with technology, our competitors, and our neighbors.
I need a gentle prod every now and then to remind me to SLOW down and live in the present instead of always pushing for the future without truly experiencing the moment at hand.
I would like to share with you one of my favorite “prods” that helps me to live on purpose and with intention. It is my hope that it will help you do the same……..
HOW DO YOU LIVE YOUR DASH
By F.W. (Jason) Ingram
I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years (1900-1970).
For that dash represented all the time
That she spent alive on 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 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
How 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’s being read
With your life’s actions to rehash…
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?
Now I must ‘dash’ myself (it’s family night at the McConnell’s), so until we visit again, I wish you well.
Warm regards,
Kathlynn
Duluth, MN