I will live this day as if it is my last.
And what shall I do with this last precious day which remains in my keeping? First, I will seal up its container of life so that not one drop spills itself upon the sand. I will waste not a moment mourning yesterday's misfortunes, yesterday's defeats, yesterday's aches of the heart, for why should I throw good after bad?
Can sand flow upward in the hour glass? Will the sun rise where it sets and set where it rises? Can I relive the errors of yesterday and right them? Can I call back yesterday's wounds and make them whole? Can I become younger than yesterday? Can I take back the evil that was spoken, the blows that where struck, the pain that was caused? No. Yesterday is buried forever and I will think of it no more.
I will live this day as if it is my last.
And what then shall I do? Forgetting yesterday neither will I think of tomorrow. Why should I throw now after maybe? Can tomorrows sand flow through the glass before today's? Will the sun rise twice this morning? Can I perform tomorrow's deeds while standing in today's path? Can tomorrow's child be born today? Can tomorrow's death cast its shadow backward and darken today's joy? Should I concern myself over events which I may never witness? Should I torment myself with problems that may never come to pass? No! Tomorrow lies buried with yesterday, and I will think of it no more.
I will live this day as if it is my last.
This day is all I have and these hours are now my eternity. I will greet this sunrise with cries of joy as a prisoner reprieved from death. I lift mine arms and give thanks for this priceless gift of a new day. So too, I will beat upon my heart with gratitude as I consider all who greeted yesterday's sunrise who are no longer with the living today. I am indeed a fortunate man and today's hours are but a bonus, undeserved. Why have I been allowed to live this extra day when others, far better than I, have departed? Is it that they have accomplished their purpose while mine is yet to be achieved? Is this another opportunity for me to become the man I know I can be?
I will live this day as if it is my last.
The duties of today I shall fulfill today. Today I shall fondle my children while they are young; tomorrow they will be gone and so will I. Today I shall embrace my woman with sweet kisses; tomorrow she will be gone and so will I. Today I shall lift up a friend in need; tomorrow he will no longer cry for help, nor will I hear his cries. Today I shall give myself in sacrifice and work; tomorrow I will have nothing to give and there will be none to receive.
And if it is my last, it will be my greatest monument. This day I will make the best day of my life. This day I will drink every minute to its full. I will savor its taste and give thanks. My last must be my best.
I will live this day as if it is my last.
~excerpt from "The Greatest Salesman in the World" by Og Mandino
Friday, May 23, 2014
Thursday, May 22, 2014
If I Was A Highway
I'd stretch alongside you
I'd help you pass by ways
That had dissatisfied you
If I was a highway well I'd be stretchin'
I'd be fetchin' you home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h9AjhL7RZI
~Emmy Lou Harris Lyrics by Butch Hancock
Can't help but think how well those lyrics capture the purpose of this blog. The realization too, of how antiquated I am. That there are freeways and interstates to take you where you wish to go more expediently and quickly than I ever could. And that's alright. I can't help but believe that there are some who aren't in a hurry. That view time with an arched eyebrow and a tiny grin tugging at the edge of their mouth. Who savor the comfort of a destination decided--no matter how long it takes to reach it.
http://www.rv-trips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Route_66.jpg
I'd help you pass by ways
That had dissatisfied you
If I was a highway well I'd be stretchin'
I'd be fetchin' you home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h9AjhL7RZI
~Emmy Lou Harris Lyrics by Butch Hancock
Can't help but think how well those lyrics capture the purpose of this blog. The realization too, of how antiquated I am. That there are freeways and interstates to take you where you wish to go more expediently and quickly than I ever could. And that's alright. I can't help but believe that there are some who aren't in a hurry. That view time with an arched eyebrow and a tiny grin tugging at the edge of their mouth. Who savor the comfort of a destination decided--no matter how long it takes to reach it.
http://www.rv-trips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Route_66.jpg
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Did I Stutter
Yes, Parker, you did. But so slightly and negligibly, it was far more endearing than vexing. Take a listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iICFjbIAs7Y
Ever and always others will highlight your shortcomings. Too big, too small, too short, too tall. Too blond, too red, too starved, too fed. Too curly, too straight, too early, too late. Too black, too white, too loose, too tight. Too wild, too tame, too cool, too lame. When and where does it end?
Parker stated; "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." We know this though--we covered it way back in October of 2012. Read again...
http://wpgrogan.blogspot.com/2012/10/not-good-enough.html
It is time to take it to heart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iICFjbIAs7Y
Ever and always others will highlight your shortcomings. Too big, too small, too short, too tall. Too blond, too red, too starved, too fed. Too curly, too straight, too early, too late. Too black, too white, too loose, too tight. Too wild, too tame, too cool, too lame. When and where does it end?
Parker stated; "Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." We know this though--we covered it way back in October of 2012. Read again...
http://wpgrogan.blogspot.com/2012/10/not-good-enough.html
It is time to take it to heart.
Monday, May 19, 2014
Book of Padrac
You would do well becoming less anxious about things. Learn to anticipate what it is you want rather than being anxious of what you fear.
Book of Padrac: Section 1 Discourse 2
Book of Padrac: Section 1 Discourse 2
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Heaven or Hell
(the fact of the matter I'd choose the latter)
Lend me your ear
'Cause I want to make it clear
That I fear you'll miss something
If you don't listen to me
It's free, won't cost you a dime
Just a little time, so listen...
I was spending all kinds of mind time
Searching for God, was he a fraud?
Was it a lie, this guy?
And how 'bout the devil
Was he on the level?
I was determined to find out, about
Heaven and hell
Well it happened in May
On the twenty-second day
That through some mysterious way
I found myself in the park, right after dark
And there, for all to behold
Was a fellow sold
On the Golden Rule
With Bible in hand
He had taken a stand
Against that evil dude
And I started to brood
Was Satan so bad
Such a miserable cad
That he deserved such a verbal lashing?
It wasn't right, I was getting uptight
And I asked for positive proof
Something to act as a roof
To shelter and protect
Against possible defect
In this man's house of belief
And it was with relief that he answered me
Young man I'm glad you asked the question because:
I've come to tell a story
I've come to tell a tale
I've come to stretch the truth
More than Jonah and the Whale
With that he tapped his Bible
And swore that he'd stand liable
If one falsehood, deception, concealment, distortion, and or misrepresentation of the truth so much as crossed his lips-
Then he launched
With faith true and staunch
Into the story of a carpenters' son
Who had played in early AD
Near a sea called Galilee
But it seems this Jesus had
Provoked the prevailing fad
And crossed a number of Jews, who's views
Differed somewhat in their technical aspect than his own
The outcome of course, resulted in force
And the trial that was set was a fix
Without much ado
They said, "we want you
And let Barabbas go free."
The verdict was in
King of the Jews his sin
And they tortured the man on a cross
Laid him for dead under moss
But it is now a fact
This was Christ's second act!
And not the close of the show at all
For it seems he arose, bid adios
And returned to his home and his Father
But he left word for his friends to make amends
And be sure to live their life's in love
For above, that's what it was all about
He did also state, on some later date
He'd return to adjourn the world as we know it
But never to fear, he's near
and hears our thoughts and prayers
Well! It seems as that man spoke, I suddenly woke
From a life filled with sin and corruption
With no doubt in my mind
The course that I'd find
Was one in the footsteps of Christ
The rest of my life was one filled with strife
As I struggled to stay in good standing
Just imagine the weight
Of supporting the freight
That a man of virtue must carry
When my life had played out
Due to a case of the gout
I was weary and ready to go
Then picture the shock
As the gates were unlocked
And the scene before me revealed
The heaven on high was a terrible lie
And nothing at all what I thought
Foreseen as serene, but boy what a dream
This place was laced with presumption
The insolence they wore was quickly a bore
And the greatest of all was the Christ
His haughtiness in fact, was devoid of all tact
And in his greeting to me, he explained you see
"The lowly aren't holy, and off limits to all personnel."
Without a moment to waste, I turned in all haste
And beat a retreat to the gates
But Peter in glee, had hidden his key
And it looked, as if I were booked
For a long term engagement...
Reports would come in
On the Kingdom of Sin
And the party they were having below
All the friends that I knew
Lived in that Paradise of red-hue
Burning, but learning, how to enjoy
And though I did not sweat
You could make an odds-on bet
That if I had a choice, I'd rejoice
To be there with them
For my days are filled with loneliness
My nights are just as bad
Spent in contemplation
On all the fun I might have had!
So let this be a teaching
If but one of you are reaching
For salvation as you know it, please forgo it!
For the final truth is found
Six feet underground
But by then it's much too late
Once you reach that pearly gate
The lesson that you'll learn
It's a helluva lot nicer just to burn
~WPG
(Parody: treating a serious subject in a nonsensical manner, as in ridicule)
Lend me your ear
'Cause I want to make it clear
That I fear you'll miss something
If you don't listen to me
It's free, won't cost you a dime
Just a little time, so listen...
I was spending all kinds of mind time
Searching for God, was he a fraud?
Was it a lie, this guy?
And how 'bout the devil
Was he on the level?
I was determined to find out, about
Heaven and hell
Well it happened in May
On the twenty-second day
That through some mysterious way
I found myself in the park, right after dark
And there, for all to behold
Was a fellow sold
On the Golden Rule
With Bible in hand
He had taken a stand
Against that evil dude
And I started to brood
Was Satan so bad
Such a miserable cad
That he deserved such a verbal lashing?
It wasn't right, I was getting uptight
And I asked for positive proof
Something to act as a roof
To shelter and protect
Against possible defect
In this man's house of belief
And it was with relief that he answered me
Young man I'm glad you asked the question because:
I've come to tell a story
I've come to tell a tale
I've come to stretch the truth
More than Jonah and the Whale
With that he tapped his Bible
And swore that he'd stand liable
If one falsehood, deception, concealment, distortion, and or misrepresentation of the truth so much as crossed his lips-
Then he launched
With faith true and staunch
Into the story of a carpenters' son
Who had played in early AD
Near a sea called Galilee
But it seems this Jesus had
Provoked the prevailing fad
And crossed a number of Jews, who's views
Differed somewhat in their technical aspect than his own
The outcome of course, resulted in force
And the trial that was set was a fix
Without much ado
They said, "we want you
And let Barabbas go free."
The verdict was in
King of the Jews his sin
And they tortured the man on a cross
Laid him for dead under moss
But it is now a fact
This was Christ's second act!
And not the close of the show at all
For it seems he arose, bid adios
And returned to his home and his Father
But he left word for his friends to make amends
And be sure to live their life's in love
For above, that's what it was all about
He did also state, on some later date
He'd return to adjourn the world as we know it
But never to fear, he's near
and hears our thoughts and prayers
Well! It seems as that man spoke, I suddenly woke
From a life filled with sin and corruption
With no doubt in my mind
The course that I'd find
Was one in the footsteps of Christ
The rest of my life was one filled with strife
As I struggled to stay in good standing
Just imagine the weight
Of supporting the freight
That a man of virtue must carry
When my life had played out
Due to a case of the gout
I was weary and ready to go
Then picture the shock
As the gates were unlocked
And the scene before me revealed
The heaven on high was a terrible lie
And nothing at all what I thought
Foreseen as serene, but boy what a dream
This place was laced with presumption
The insolence they wore was quickly a bore
And the greatest of all was the Christ
His haughtiness in fact, was devoid of all tact
And in his greeting to me, he explained you see
"The lowly aren't holy, and off limits to all personnel."
Without a moment to waste, I turned in all haste
And beat a retreat to the gates
But Peter in glee, had hidden his key
And it looked, as if I were booked
For a long term engagement...
Reports would come in
On the Kingdom of Sin
And the party they were having below
All the friends that I knew
Lived in that Paradise of red-hue
Burning, but learning, how to enjoy
And though I did not sweat
You could make an odds-on bet
That if I had a choice, I'd rejoice
To be there with them
For my days are filled with loneliness
My nights are just as bad
Spent in contemplation
On all the fun I might have had!
So let this be a teaching
If but one of you are reaching
For salvation as you know it, please forgo it!
For the final truth is found
Six feet underground
But by then it's much too late
Once you reach that pearly gate
The lesson that you'll learn
It's a helluva lot nicer just to burn
~WPG
(Parody: treating a serious subject in a nonsensical manner, as in ridicule)
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