We were out shopping today and I saw a card with a snippet of the Desiderata, written in 1927 by the American writer Max Erhmann. Growing up, I remember my dad often playing Les Crane's recording of the poem. I took the time to look up the whole thing today. If you are unfamiliar with it, here it is for you:
Go placidly amid the noise and 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 the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
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 the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations 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 with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
I found that I was really identifying with the last three stanzas. Throughout all of the different fertility treatments we have done, and especially the IVF cycle, I have often questioned my place in this world. If I could never be a mother, then who would I be? Ehrmann maintains, "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." After each failed cycle, I would be so heartbroken and defeated. Nevertheless, I knew in the back of my mind that, yes, the universe was unfolding as it should, and that God had a plan for us.
As the cycles progressed, I found myself more worried, nervous, and even gotten to the point where I was saying, "Really God? How much more?" I tried to use the Lenten season of this past Easter to refocus and refresh my faith, and really have been at peace with God. I think that made the IVF cycle easier to handle... knowing that God had a plan, whether it be the outcome we want or not. He still has a plan... He knows if we'll have good news or not at the ultrasound on Monday, He knows if we will get to hear the heartbeat, He knows if we will carry this baby to term... and we just have to be at peace with Him, and "in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul."
And the last stanza is just so beautiful to me: "With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy." What wonderful advice for anyone. What a wonderful reminder for me today. The world we live in, the life we lead, really is beautiful. Regardless of whatever else is happening, we have such a gift in this life, and it is our responsibility to enjoy it.
I plan on doing just that. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment