Take Some Time

I turn nostalgic every time Christmas draws near. I don’t really know why. I guess it’s the Christmassy feeling in the air — the carols playing, lights all around, the decors adorning all facades. It always brings out the child in me. I think it’s because I am always reminded of the happy Christmases of my childhood.

Apart from the Christmas spirit, it is also around this time of the year that I look back with gratitude to the year that is almost about to pass, and thank the Lord for all the blessings that have been showered on me and the trials that have made me a better and stronger person. And it is also during this season that I promise to do better in all aspects of my life: my family, my work, my friendships, and MY SELF — most especially in loving myself.

I’d like to share a nice poem that I came across with.

TAKE SOME TIME

By Leon Hansen

(A 6th Bowl of Chicken Soup for the Soul, copyright 1999 by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen)

Take some time to smell the flowers

As you walk the paths of life

Take some time to ease the tensions

From the challenges and the strife

Take some time to hear the birds sing

As they usher in the dawn

Though the day may be just emerging

Too soon it will be gone

Take some time to watch a sunrise

Now and then a sunset, too

Just be sure that seeking pleasure

Isn’t all you ever do

Take some time to count your blessings

Though you feel they’re not that great

You will find they’re more abundant

Than you thought, at any rate

Take some time to banish hatred

When and where you can

Just detest man’s evil ways

And not your fellow man

Take some time to love your children

Every moment you are free

The benefits sure exceed

A university degree

Take some time to love your neighbor

And even more important still

Take some time to love yourself

Or not many others will

And if you don’t like that image

Of yourself that others see

Take some time to make some changes

Be the best that you can be

Take some time to help another

Who you think might need a hand

You will find the satisfaction

Leaves you feeling sort of grand

Take some time to live by virtue

In the best way that is known

And respect the rights of others

As equal to your own

Take some time to just appreciate

The fact that you are here

And to know the risen Lord

And to trust Him without fear

If you do these things with diligence

You will eventually be glad

If you don’t attempt to do them

You may one day wish you had

Although this no doubt could impose

Upon your time for seeking wealth

There should be little question

That it could improve your health

And though you might not be as wealthy

Nor drive so fine a car

You’ll find you will be richer

In other ways by far

 Have a wonderful and meaningful day, everyone!