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"That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.
In me thou see’st the twilight of such day
As after sunset fadeth in the west;
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest.
In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire,
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the deathbed whereon it must expire,
Consumed with that which it was nourished by.
This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong,
To love that well which thou must leave ere long."
-That time of year thou mayst in me behold (Sonnet 73)
William Shakespeare, 1564 - 1616
The theme of dying, concluding the poem with advice to make your love stronger as the end approaches is not an argument for hedonism, to have a blast while you last. Instead, it's a call to appreciate life and make the most of your time and not waste time on either doing nothing or foolish things.
Shakespeare's sonnet makes me reflect on what's important in life. There's an old German saying "Why do we get so soon old but so late smart?" We should use our time wisely while on this earth.
"Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, the place where you will eventually go." Ecclesiastes 9:10
I've been spending most of my waking hours at the bedside at nursing home of someone I've been caring for almost three years. Patients and staff here are amazed and touched by my dedication to care for Sandi. As I just told a staff member who remarked that it would be good if more guys would take care of their women this way, I said that I wasn't always this way.
The past few years God has worked in me to be more caring about others - to regard others more highly than myself - to put myself in their shoes. I've learned to love people more unconditionally and not show an interest in them for what I can get from them. My seeking my own personal interest at the expense of others had landed me in financial and emotional ruin.
I lost my job of ten plus years, my house, my wife, my dog (died) and got arrested. I became almost completely broke and struggled to find food. I felt alone and hopeless and longed for someone to talk with.
God provided for my needs. After several years of putting writing aside, I took it back up. I started online freelance writing though an online "agency". Not much work or money but it was a start and I got experience doing persuasive, promotional writing, soft sell advertising.
I started hanging out with homeless people I met at a community meal. Through them I met a formerly homeless guy who wanted to start a non profit to find much needed shelter for the homeless. It didn't pan out, mainly because of attitudes towards the homeless, but he set me up on a WordPress site where I educate the public about the homeless, often tying in Biblical principles and Bible verses.
The online freelance writing dryed out, but recently I started writing on FaithWriters in order to find more work. It's more than that. Writers on the site comment on one anothers articles. Another writer reacted to my article where I wrote about visiting Sandi in the nursing home. He said he has people in a nursing home but was reluncant to visit them because they might not know him and said they did not return his calls. After reading my article, he decided to visit the nursing home, evidently just because it's the right thing to do.
Since I starting hanging with the homeless, I've considered writing a book about the homeless. Through FaithWriters, I connected with an editor/publisher who may just be the ticket.
Decades ago, I heard there was a need for Christian writers. I remember a guest pastor from Africa who sat next to my Dad and I at a pot providence dinner at church telling me this. I didn't follow up on this but was sidetracked, drifting out of the faith and just drifting. (Drifty Drinnan was my nickname in the Navy). This is what Bill Shakespeare was talking about in sonnet 73.
I lost things but also I gained, and have been blessed. My attitude changed for the better. Putting the Lord first has been the source of blessing.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
I've asked myself "What's it all about, Jeffrey?"
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. -Westminster Shorter Catechism
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Another well done article. The Lord sure has worked with your heart in the past few years. Your heart now sees as the Master's heart sees.
I think it sounds great that you would want to write a book about the homeless. From having worked a bit with homeless people through the church I attend, I realize that they are beautiful people. Christ sees them just as He sees us.
Keep your love and heart focused on the Lord. Continue to be His vessel. The reward waiting for you after you depart this world is far beyond your wildest dream.
Thank you for your kind review of my 10/9/17 writing. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read and respond. May our light burn brightly for the Lord!
God bless you!
Roland