How Do You Live

your Dash?

(Author Unknown)

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning ... to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth

And spoke the following date with tears.

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years. (1900 - 1970)

 

For that dash (-) represents all  the time

That she spent alive on earth...

And now only those who loved her know what that Little time is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;

The cars ... the house ... the cash,

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

 

So think about this long and hard-...

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left,

That can be still rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

 

And be less quick to anger,

And show appreciation more

And love the  people in our lives

Like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect.

And more often wear a smile…

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a little while.

 

So, when your eulogy's being read'

With your life's actions to rehash...

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

 

Eccl 7:1 1 A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. (NIV)

Prov 22:1 1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. (NIV)