Christmas Message

This will be my last post before I sign off to spend the holidays with my family and friends.  I want to thank all of you for your loyal readership and your unending support.  It, you, mean more to me than I could ever adequately express.  Below is my Christmas message to each of you and your families.  The poem was written by the American writer and poet Max Ehrmann in 1927.  Since I discovered it in 1978, it has been one of my most treasured.  This beautiful work has brought me much comfort over the years and I often find myself recalling the message within the stanzas.

My Christmas wish for all of you is that you find joy and happiness this season, that you are always blessed with the comfort of a loved one and that you carry the message that Max Ehrmann desired for all, within your heart.  Not just at Christmas, but throughout your lifetimes.  Most of all, I wish you and your families, Peace.

Desiderata

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 lout and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.  If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.  Keep interested in your 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 critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to 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 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 if 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 till a beautiful world.  Be careful.  Strive to be happy.

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