After my father died in 2008, it became necessary for Mom to move out of our childhood home in Moose Jaw. My brother Joel and I took on the responsibility of sifting through what needed to be thrown out and what needed to be kept, and then finding homes for all those things we had kept. That’s a story for another time, but in the process I found a wall hanging that had been in the hallway just outside my bedroom door. As a child, I had always thought it looked profound because it had lots of words on it, and the title was something I didn’t understand: Desiderata. I kept it. It hangs in my office now, and as I took the time once again to read it slowly this morning, it captured so much of what shalom means to me as I seek to lead FROM, TO, and WITH shalom. I invite you to read it slowly, perhaps out loud. Whatever phrase captures you, take it with you this day as a gift.
“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you from sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”
(c) 1927 Max Ehrmann
Shalom.
