Desired Things

I know I've been inconsistent on this here blog of mine these past few months.  You can't say that I didn't warn you, though!  Mommy brain does crazy things to my writing life when I have a newborn.  It's literally like I have fewer intelligent thoughts for about 8 months.  Then slowly, almost imperceptibly, the fog lifts and I have something to say again.

This is not that day, friends.  Sorry to say it.  But I do feel that day coming.  Timon is 7 months old now, and he's settling in to life on this earth, which means he can put himself to sleep instead of needing me to rock him and bounce him and shhh him until I want to slam my head into a wall repeatedly.  This new development of his has been a total game-changer for me.  I LOVE IT!!!  I'm so much more myself - I haven't even driven aimlessly around town with the kids to avoid having to actually parent them in way over a month!  Woohoo!  I'm more myself...but still the mom-of-a-little-baby version, not the fully rested, sit at a computer and be contemplative kind...yet. 

Today I'm going to share with you someone ELSE'S contemplative writing.  It took my breath away.

This poem was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann.  It is called Desiderata, which means "desired things" in Latin.  It was quoted on Momastery, and when I read it I first thought that it must have been written recently because it's so relevant.  But then I wondered if maybe it was very old but remained relevent because it was timeless like so many pieces of inspired literature.  I googled it and learned that it was written 85 years ago.  It reminds me of something a grandfather would write for his grandchildren, passing on the wisdom he's gained through experience on this earth.  Maybe it was.  Ehrmann was 54 when he wrote it.  

"Go placidly amidst 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."

Have a lovely day.  It is still a beautiful world and you have a right to be here.