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Lord, for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray; Keep me, my God, from stain of sin just for today. Help me to labor earnestly and duly pray; Let me be kind in word and deed, Father, today. Let me no wrong or idle word unthinking say; Set Thou a seal upon my lips through all today. Let me in season, Lord, be grave, in season gay; Let me be faithful to Thy grace, dear Lord, today. And if, today, this life of mine should ebb away, Give me Thy sacrament divine, Father, today. So for tomorrow and its needs I do not pray; Still keep me, guide me, love me, Lord, through each day.
Life is a journey and not a home; a road, not a city of habitation. And the enjoyments and blessings we have along the way are but little inns on the roadside, where we may be refreshed for a moment, that we may with new strength press on to the goal. You will meet today ten men or women; perhaps twenty, or perhaps a hundred. Every one of them will have his or her day brightened or darkened by the tone and manner of your greeting. You can put a little more spring into the step and a little more joy into the heart of every one of them by a cheerful salutation. Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle, and a victory. A few wise friends with whom to counsel, a few good books to read and absorb, and with courage and faith we are well equipped for the facing of life's difficulties and disappointments, as well as its pleasures and successes. Lives are made of chapters. After one is written it cannot be revised, but we can write a new chapter with Each New Day.
The following is a poem I ran across in the early '60's. I had it taped to the pull-out shelf on my desk at work. A few years ago it was the topic of several "Ann Landers'" columns. There were many letters attributing the authorship to different people. I don't recall if Dr. Van Loan was included in the list. The copy I had gave him credit for it. It could be that Dr. Van Loan simply presented this to the audience at the council meeting, and may not be the original author.
UPDATED AGAIN: I think I finally have the correct author for
"Just for Today."
I bought a book, "The Treasure Chest,"
at an estate sale. It was edited by
Charles L. Wallis, copyright, 1965.
In it, acknowledgement is made to "This Week"
for "Just for Today" by Kenneth L. Holmes, copyright 1953,
by the United Newspapers Magazine Corporation.
A few words had to be changed also.
JUST FOR TODAY
By Kenneth L. Holmes
|
I was not ever thus, nor prayed that
Thou shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path;
but now lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day,
and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will.
Remember not past years!
So long Thy power hath blessed me,
sure it will, will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent,
till the night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
which I
Have loved long since,
and lost awhile!
Meantime, along the narrow rugged path
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Savior, lead me home
in child-like faith, home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.
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