"To be glad of life, because it gives you the chance to love and to work and to play and to look up at the stars; to be contented with your possessions, but not satisfied with yourself until you have made the best of them; to despise nothing in the world except falsehood and meanness, and to fear nothing except cowardice; to be governed by your admirations rather than your disgusts; to covet nothing that is your neighbor's except his kindness of heart and gentleness of manners; to think seldom of your enemies, often of your friends, and every day of Christ; and to spend as much time as you can, with body and with spirit, in God's out-of-doors--these are little guide-posts on the foot-path to peace."
-Henry Van Dyke, The Friendly Year
I want to read more of Henry Van Dyke! Each line went straight to my heart! Wishing you blessings, Maureen - that you experience your neighbor's kindness and gentleness of manners this week!
ReplyDeleteAh WOW! I haven't been to your site in a while Maureen, but this shot magnificent. And how can you look at that and not see God. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteAs usual, it's always good to see you, Maureen, and to have your words and photos put together. What a treat!
ReplyDeleteA lovely lady in our church is leaving with her husband - headed south. I never got to know her well. We've chatted a little here and there. But I know I will miss her smiles and cheerfulness. I recently found out that she has chronic pain. "Covet nothing that is your neighbors except his kindness." Oh, understand that. How I will continue to covet the leaving-lady's fortitude, cheerfulness and kindness - I'd like to be such a light for my family and others.
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