PRIORITIES

Thanks Evi for this pic of the morning sky!


Not sure if I've posted this poem before, 
but felt constrained to post it today. 
God knows why!



If you knew this would be your very last year,

How would you live?

Would you still show your impatience, your anger, your pride,

To your neighbors, your friends and your family,

Or would gentleness, kindness, compassion and joy

Be what you would want them to see?



If you knew this would be your very last year,

How would you love?

Would you cherish your spouse, your children, your family,

Would you make time for your special friends?

Would you give to the poor, the downtrodden and hurt?

Would you seek at all costs to make amends?



If you knew this would be your very last year,

What would really matter?

Would you want a clean house or

would a clean heart be better?

Would the love of possessions fill your thoughts every day?

Would you spend all your time in leisure and play,

or tenderly loving people?

Would you rather have everything done in your way

or follow the right way?



If you knew this would be your very last year,

How would you wish to be remembered?

Would you want it said, “he was always fanatic”

or one who was really fantastic?

As a loser or as a loving heart?

One who was the best he could possibly be?

You face the choices that make your wishes come true.

You still have time to make the changes that count for eternity.


Karin Ristau©

13 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a gorgeous poem, Karin... I'm not sure I've read it before--but even if I had, it's important enough to read again. Makes us all THINK.....

We need to live our lives to the fullest--doing what God wants us to, each and every day of our lives. We never know which will be our last day on this earth --so why not live each day as if it is the last?

Hugs,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

Beautiful poem Karin and puts into perspective what our priorities should be. Blessings to you today.

Connie Barris said...

How beautiful.....

I have thought about this content lately as I approach the anniversary of the loss of my father...

definitely tugged at my heart...

Connie

Ginny Hartzler said...

This is a wonderful poem, Karin! I don't remember reading it before. And If god put it on your heart to post it at this time, someone out there really needs to read it!

Mari said...

What a gorgeous shot. The poem is wonderful and very thought provoking.

Ruth Hiebert said...

Wonderful.It made me think of Jake and how he was so contented,a peace loving man,seldom in a hurry.He spoke few words,but lived a life of testimony daily.
Blessings,Ruth

Sandy said...

Such a thought provoking poem to bring me back to right thinking. It is so very easy for me to get pulled in the wrong direction. Thanks!

C. JoyBell C. said...

some good motivation for the new year of 2011, karin!

i do hope that you had a very happy new year celebration! did you enjoy very much?

may you enjoy your new year, my dear friend!

love,
C. JoyBell C.

Velvet Over Steel said...

Beautiful poem & post, Karin!! Thank you for sharing with us!!

Have a Wonderful weekend!!
HUGS & Lots of Love,
Coreen

Doris Sturm said...

I suppose it takes wisdom to put things into perspective and God's guidance...thanks for this very inspirational post - lovely poem, as always. You are very gifted!

George said...

Thank you for sharing this beautiful, thought-provoking, poem with us. It contains much wisdom. The picture of the morning sky is a perfect accompaniment to it.

Glenda said...

Thank you, Karin, for being sensitive to God's voice! I think one of the joys of heaven will be seeing firsthand the results of our obedience. I can tell you that the word "impatience" spoke to me, and I asked God to please help me to become more patient. He's certainly patient with me!!

Colleen said...

I just stopped by here for the first time today and am just struck by your optimism and joyful spirit!
This poem is truly incredible and makes me think a lot. Sadly there are far too many times a day when I let my impatience rather than love have its way. Definitely something to work on.

Thank you so much for sharing!