DESIDERATA...

Today on my way to town as I waited at the bus stop, a man approached me. He was well dressed but not well enough to say he was going to work. For a moment I thought he was just waiting for the bus as well when he started talking to me. "Excuse me sister," he said, "I am sorry to disturb you but I really need your help." At this moment I wanted to walk away from him and just get as far away as I could. Nairobi is full of thugs and robbers who dress well and rob you without even putting a finger on you so you should not judge my thoughts at this time. I listened to him without moving an inch. "My name is Otieno and I am looking for a job. I have a wife and two kids but I cannot take care of them. Please help me with anything because I cannot steal." I had to get going because my bus arrived and I was running late. I felt bad for the man as I said sorry but I can't help you now. I was honest because all the money I had in my pocket was just enough to get me to my destination. Life is tough for everyone and sometimes we can shed tears for our own pain and for the hurts of others. Whatever it is, it always comes to pass and there is always a new sun no matter how dark the night is. The sun always rises in the morning.  Desiderata is a poem by Max Ehrmann and I hope it gives someone a smile as it does to me :-)

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the 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 to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious 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 in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.



Max Ehrmann, Desiderata