Burn Brightly

December 22, 2010 Leave a comment
candle

|Photo by L.C. Nottaasen|http://www.flickr.com/photos/magnera/3984411975|

Another calendar year is coming to an end, and as of today, the seasonal darkness begins to recede.  As I look forward to 2011 and the return of the light, I am reminded of the following words of George Bernard Shaw.  Through them I find meaning in the busy-ness of life and blessing for the fullness of each day that calls on my whole self to be of service.  May we burn brightly and steadily in the coming year and bring clarity and warmth to a world in need.

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no ‘brief candle’ to me. It is sort of a splendid torch which I have a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it over to future generations”.

~ George Bernard Shaw~

No Comments

  • Cynthia Parker says:

    Thanks Curtis–and thanks for sending the poem to our gathering last week in your absence. It’s one of my favorites. Here’s to being thoroughly used up!
    Peace!

  • Hector Acevedo says:

    Thank you Curtis. This piece is an amazing inspiration to start the new year. Being a light to not only the world but also those around us. Blessings.

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