Poem for the Day

I've been as busy as an Elf working away on several DT Duties - so many yummy things to share with you in the new year!! Only a few short weeks away - can you believe we are almost in the year 2010???

I came across this poem again tonight (my mom had given it to me many years ago) and wanted to share it with you all. It reminded me of a promise I made to myself (which I need to revisit I think!): 'Enjoy each moment of every day, because you only have one opportunity with which it can be experienced'. I often find myself rushing everywhere, stressing always and leading a life with such a negative (my husband calls it negative, I call it realistic...) outlook. I think we all need a little breather from time to time - especially when our values and perspectives are challenged. Take a read of the poem below and see what you think...

SLOW ME DOWN, LORD

Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of my mind. Steady my hurried pace. Give me, amidst the day's confusion, the calmness of the everlasting hills.

Break the tensions of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of singing streams that live in my memory.

Help me to know the magical, restoring power of sleep. Teach me the art of taking "minute vacations"...slowing down to look at a flower, to chat with a friend, to read a few lines from a good book.

Remind me of the fable of the hare and the tortoise; that the race is not always to the swift; that there is more to life than measuring its speed.

Let me look up at the branches of the towering oak and know that it grew slowly and well. Inspire me to send my own roots down deep into the soil of life's endearing values...that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.

Slow me down, Lord.

~~Wilferd Arlan Peterson~~