Beauty From Within......

I've been a bit cranky and out of sorts lately and had a little argument with my teenage daughter on the way to school this week.  I felt bad after dropping her off.   Life is short and it was over something stupid (aren't many arguments?).   I came across this beautiful poem written by Linda Ellis.  It kind of puts things into perspective.  At the end of my time here on earth I hope those who knew me well would say that although I did love beautiful things, I was a kind and good person.  How are you living your dash?




HOW DO YOU LIVE YOUR DASH?
Written By:  Linda Ellis


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.

For that dash represents 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
The way 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
And how you spent your dash?