by Clifton B. Whitworth, Jr. Associated Editor, The Roanoke Tribune
(reprinted from the Thursday, April 20 1978 edition!)
TIME-The greatest thing on earth yet least appreciated, is perceived as the great enemy of a few but the staunch ally of most of us. It can be advantageously used, abused and/or especially mis-spent.
To each of us God has given 24 hours in each day and 60 minutes in each hour to use as our hearts amd minds dictate. In His great wisdom He has kept from us the time of our final exit so that we may extol “the glories of this day as we live, learn, love and serve.
As I may not see you tomorrow, may I arise today and welcome the warmth and beauty of a glorious morning sun as it bathes the distant mountain tops to which “I lift up mine eyes.” Let me whisper my prayers in the safety and serenity of a joyful home filled with love, understanding, hope and ringing telephones–to say nothing of active, healthy squealing youngsters.
When both eyes finally open and I see what looks back at me as I shave, I pause and praise my Creator for the joys of living and the gifts of life so abundantly bestowed.
Yes, thanks also for the pains, the ills and the disappointments of life as these are the very things that make this day so very special.
As I breathe the crisp morning air outside I pause to watch, with much admiration, a bundle of fur (a squirrel scamper up a huge oak tree. A few feet away sits a rabbit silently “casing” my newly planted garden and planning his return trip in a few weeks to beat me to my fresh green beans–I smile.
The azalias are beginning to bloom and I recall how deep the snow and ice had covered them only a few short weeks ago. Again I smile. Before this day is over may I smile at everyone I meet. May I step aside and open a door for any man, woman or child. May I greet friend and unknown with the same “Have a nice day!” Let me pause to greet a child who may need a smile, a pat on the back or a reassuring word.
Today may I see all men as my brothers. Let me judge not any situation, criticize or discourage anyone. On this day, may my shortcomings be made shorter as I walk, see, worship and love. This day is another refreshing drink from the infinite fountain of God’s mercy; another istallment paid on my debt to a great and just Being who has granted each of us this precious niche in time and space!
Today I will do my best and be satisfied with it as no man will have to judge my actions. This accounting will be done by One exceedingly greater than mortal man. The detours will become jokes today as my mistakes are laughed at and the little annoyances and discomfitures are completely ignored.
Today I’ll visit a friend (sick or well); comfort an elderly one, help a lost one to find a better path. Let me stand tall today–but no taller than my fellowman. May I take time in my haste to pause and smell the roses, watch the beautiful clouds and proclaim another wonderful day!
On this day may my feeble prayers be heard as I listen to the heavenly symphony of the robin and the blue jays in the maple treet coupled with the tune I am humming. Let me bless the dirt beneath my feet as it is there I will spend eternity. My spirits will soar as my ego shrinks. The fretful noises of my life will become as music to my ears and the dark corners of life will become preludes to bright and beautiful dawns.
May I see clearly, speak sparingly and love abundantly and be thankful for being a member of the human race–a small part of “… that innumerable caravan” that marches unto eternity; a drop in God’s great ocean, one tiny leaf in the vast foresr of mankind.
On today my gratitude will erupt and my praise be magnified! May all this be mine TODAY for tomorrow has not been promised me. So I’ll cherish THIS day, as I may not see you tomorrow–or you may not see me tomorrow!
Let us therefore make the best of TODAY– especially on this Mother’s Day weekend!
