Saturday 30 November 2013

I'd Rather See a Sermon

I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye’s a better pupil and more willing than the ear;
Fine council is confusing, but example’s always clear;

And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action is what everybody needs.
I soon can learn to do it if you’ll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action, but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lecture you deliver may be very wise and true;
But I’d rather get my lessons by observing what you do.
For I might misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there’s no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles and a strong man stays behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me,
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that I can be.

And all the travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells you, but the one who shows the way.
One good man teaches many, men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noticed is worth forty that are told.

Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one, any day.

Edgar A. Guest

Saturday 23 November 2013

A Beautiful World

Whether flying in a plane or a balloon I have always been struck by one thing — from that perspective, I can't see any boundaries; all the walls, fences and barbed wire that separate us fade and disappear. All of a sudden the world becomes more beautiful.
~ Richard Branson, aday.org

Friday 22 November 2013

Share Your Riches

The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.
~ Benjamin Disraeli

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Did you win the day or lose it?


Is anybody happier, because you passed their way?
Does anyone remember, that you spoke to them today?
The day is almost over and its toiling time is through
Is there anyone to utter now, a grateful word of you?

As you take a glance back over, the day that's slipping fast.
Did you help a single person of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing, over what you did or said?
Does the one whose hopes were fading, now with courage look ahead?

Did you win the day or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness, or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God would say?
You have earned one more tomorrow, by the good you did today.

~ As told by Father Ted Colleton, RIP

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Giving Back

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
~ Maya Angelou

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